Screen Hygiene

A quick reminder mostly for parents about best practices with screens. If you are an adult and are curious – no more than 2 hours of screen a day feels healthy. If your screen time feels excessive recognize there is a need not being met. Check in with yourself about the “why”. For example, try doing some community events, or volunteer work if the need is “social”. If you need a brain break, do something creative (e.g., re-arrange the bookshelf, cook, color, craft).

SAFETY FIRST

We’ve added seatbelts, fences, and helmets to make the real world safer for kids. But online? There are no built-in protections. That’s why mental health experts and pediatricians are urging parents to set stronger screen-time guidelines.

WHEN TO START?

A smartphone is more than a phone—it’s a 24/7 portal to social media, gaming, and strangers. Experts recommend waiting until high school (age 14+) before giving kids one. Flip phones are a safer option for staying connected without the risks.

SCREEN FREE ZONES

Boundaries work best when they’re shared. A family media plan sets clear expectations for everyone:

No phones at the dinner table
No screens in bedrooms
Turn off all devices at least 1 hour before bed
When parents follow the rules too, kids take them seriously.

HOW MUCH TIME?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:

18–24 months → no screen time (except video chat)
Ages 2–5 → 1 hour/day, high-quality & co-viewed with a caregiver
Ages 6+ → under 2 hours/day of non-school use + no screens before bed

SCREENS ARE EXPERIENCE BLOCKERS FOR KIDS & ADULTS

Screens aren’t neutral. They’re experience blockers.
6–9 hours of screen time a day = 2,190 hours a year lost to play, exploration, and creativity. These are the activities that wire a child’s brain for resilience, focus, and confidence.

RISKS OF SCREEN TIME

The risks of excessive screen time are serious:

Missed opportunities for play, learning, and boredom (the root of creativity)
Social and sleep deprivation
Declining attention spans—books and focus are harder than ever
Behavioral addiction—apps are designed to keep kids hooked, like slot machines

ACTION STEPS

An action plan makes all the difference:
Home: Create a family media plan and stick to it together.
School: Advocate for phone-free classrooms so kids can focus and socialize.
Friends: Build agreements with other parents to delay smartphones until high school.

RESOURCES

Helpful resources for families: