The American Academy of Pediatrics recently updated its media recommendations, shifting the focus from limiting screen-time hours to thinking about how digital media affects children’s overall development.
Instead of counting the minutes or hours that children spend on screen, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has taken a broader perspective, recognizing that digital technology is increasingly woven into family life and social relationships. This approach recognizes that children are growing up within a digital ecosystem. Children are not simply using a device, they are interacting with the apps, platforms, algorithms, advertising systems and business models that are designed to promote their engagement and use. The incentive structures that keep \children interested in screens are most often misaligned with their needs and well-being.
While our digital world has become more complex and challenging to navigate, especially for parents and caregivers, research continues to confirm that young children learn best through responsive relationships, language-rich interactions, imaginative play and engagement with their community. Instead of asking, “How much screen time should children have?” we might do better to ask, “What are they not doing when they are engaging with screen?”
The updated AAP guidance reminds us that supporting healthy development is not only a matter of managing screen time at home and should not be left to parents and caregivers to manage alone. Healthcare professionals, educators, politicians and leaders in business and technology have a role to play in creating a healthier digital ecosystem that puts children’s needs first.
Reach Out & Read strives to counter some of the negative effects of the digital ecosystem by promoting shared reading and caregiver-child interaction that support healthy brain development. Each time a provider offers a book to a family, they help to create the interactions and experiences children need to thrive.
More information about the new guidelines:
AAP Screen Media Guidance by Age for 0-5
The AAP’s recommendations for young children vary by age and emphasize adult support, high-quality content, and balance with healthy daily routines:
- Infants younger than 18 months: Avoid screen media, except for video chatting with family and loved ones.
- Children 18 to 24 months: If families choose to introduce digital media, use high-quality programming and watch it with an adult who can help the child understand what they are seeing.
- Preschool-aged children: Keep screen use intentional, limited, and balanced with activities that support healthy development, including play, conversation, movement, reading, and sleep.
