Be In Touch Screen Time Guidelines
AGE
SCREENTIME*
IMPACT
DIGITAL PARENTING TIPS
0-2
0 hours/day
Impaired ability to focus.
Missed developmental opportunities.
Underdeveloped fine motor control.
Delayed language development.
Missed developmental opportunities.
Underdeveloped fine motor control.
Delayed language development.
No screens for babies and toddlers, except video calls.
2-5
1 hour/day
Impaired eyesight.
Impaired body control.
Instantaneous feedback expectations,
Delayed language use and cognitive ability,
Impaired body control.
Instantaneous feedback expectations,
Delayed language use and cognitive ability,
All screen interactions should be chosen with a parent
5-10
2 hours/day
Underdeveloped emotional impulse control.
Social anxiety.
Obsessive concern with games / videos.
Impaired memory development.
Social anxiety.
Obsessive concern with games / videos.
Impaired memory development.
No gaming during the week.
No personal digital device.
20-20-20 rule: every 20 mins of screen time, break and focus on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
No personal digital device.
20-20-20 rule: every 20 mins of screen time, break and focus on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
10-14
2,5 hours /day
Impaired reward circuitry in brain.
Lack of self-control.
Inability to read social cues.
Lack of enthusiasm.
Withdrawing from socialising.
Lack of self-control.
Inability to read social cues.
Lack of enthusiasm.
Withdrawing from socialising.
Devices should be loaned not owned by children.
Screen time is a privilege not a right.
No devices in rooms or toilets.
Set up a phone hotel for playdates.
Discuss device use for entertainment vs productivity.
Screen time is a privilege not a right.
No devices in rooms or toilets.
Set up a phone hotel for playdates.
Discuss device use for entertainment vs productivity.
14-18
3 hours /day
Social withdrawal & low self-esteem.
Distorted idea of reality.
Lack of social intelligence.
Inability to complete goals.
Prioritisation of online relationships.
Poor posture & sleeping habits.
Distorted idea of reality.
Lack of social intelligence.
Inability to complete goals.
Prioritisation of online relationships.
Poor posture & sleeping habits.
Discuss the need to be aware of:
• Entertainment vs productivity
• Digital fantasy vs reality
• Persuasive Technology
Make time for outdoor activities, family meals and
discussions with your children.
• Entertainment vs productivity
• Digital fantasy vs reality
• Persuasive Technology
Make time for outdoor activities, family meals and
discussions with your children.
*World Health Organisation Guidelines 2019
