10 Screen-Smart Parenting Tips

Screen time is the time spent using TVs, computers, videos, DVDs, video games, and hand-held electronic devices. For children to be physically active, avoid being overweight, and be generally healthy, their screen time must be managed.

1. Limit screen time to two hours or less each day for children over two years old. (No screen time is recommended for children under two).
2. Remove TVs and computers from your children’s bedrooms. Put them out in the open where you can monitor their use.
3. Provide your children with more active things to do, such as sports. Also, replace screen time with unstructured outdoor play time if the weather allows.
4. Shut off the TV and other media during meals. Talk to each other instead.
5. If your children enjoy video games, invest in a system with dance and fitness options. To keep some games going, players must constantly move.
6. Turn the TV off when no one is watching it; don’t use it as background noise.
7. Combine TV viewing with physical activity. As a family, do push-ups, jumping jacks, and other exercises during commercial breaks.
8. Avoid using extra screen time as a reward.
9. Discuss advertisements with your children. Explain that a food or drink being featured on TV or the Internet doesn’t mean it is good for you.
10. Set a positive example; limit your own screen time.