Is my kid on screens too much?

How much screen time is normal for kids?

The average US child aged 8–12 spends 4.5 hours/day on screens (Common Sense Media 2023). Teens average 7.2 hours/day. These numbers have increased 50%+ since 2019.

WHO and AAP screen time guidelines

• Under 2: No screen time (except video calls)
• 2–5 years: Max 1 hour/day of quality content
• 6–12 years: No specific limit, but "consistent limits" recommended
• 13–17: No specific limit, but balance with sleep, exercise

Actual averages (Common Sense Media 2023)

• Under 2: 49 minutes/day (80% exceed WHO guideline)
• 2–5 years: 2.5 hours/day
• 6–12 years: 4.5 hours/day
• 13–17 years: 7.2 hours/day (not including school)

The key concern isn't just quantity but quality and displacement — screen time that replaces sleep, physical activity, or face-to-face interaction has the strongest negative associations.