Screens are a major part of life today, especially for children. From entertainment to education, devices like tablets, smartphones, and TVs offer countless ways to engage and learn. But with the rise of screen time, parents often grapple with two big questions: How much screen time is too much? and Should screens be taken away as punishment? While the answer isn’t black and white, striking the right balance requires understanding the effects of screen time on kids, setting appropriate boundaries, and knowing when using it as a tool for discipline can be effective.
The impact of too much screen time. We’ve all seen it—kids glued to screens for hours, immersed in YouTube videos, video games, or social media. While screens are almost unavoidable, they can have significant impacts when overused, particularly on young, developing minds. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that too much screen time can lead to sleep disruptions, obesity, and developmental delays in young children. Similarly, a 2019 study from JAMA Pediatrics found that children aged 3 to 5 who had more than an hour of screen time a day, without parental involvement, showed delayed development in brain areas related to language and cognitive skills.
But it’s not just about how much time kids spend on screens—it’s also about what they’re watching and doing. Educational apps, shows, and interactive games can help kids learn new skills and foster creativity, while passive entertainment or aggressive content can lead to negative effects. Dr. Jenny Radesky, a developmental pediatrician, explains, “When used mindfully, screen media can open doors to knowledge and creativity for children. But it’s important that not all screen content is beneficial, and some may even harm their well-being if left unchecked.”
Recommended guidelines. To help families find the right balance, the AAP offers general guidelines based on age:
- Under 18 months: Avoid screen time, except for video chatting.
- 18 to 24 months: If parents introduce media, it should be high-quality, and they should co-view with the child to help them process what they see.
- Ages 2 to 5 years: Limit screen use to one hour per day of high-quality programming, with parental interaction.
- Ages 6 and older: Set consistent limits, ensuring that screen time doesn’t interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interaction.
The key is creating a balance where screens are a tool for learning and fun, but not a crutch for boredom or a replacement for real-world interactions.
Screen limiting as punishment. Many parents resort to taking away screens as a punishment when children misbehave, but is this an effective strategy? While it can work in some cases, there are a few things to consider before making it your go-to disciplinary measure. First, consider the context. Disciplining with screen time should be logical and related to the behavior. Dr. Radesky emphasizes that “Punishments should be tied to behavior.” For example, if a child neglects homework to play video games, losing screen time for that day makes sense. A second recommendation is to consider the child’s age. For younger children, taking away screens may not be the most effective discipline, as they may not fully grasp the cause-and-effect nature of the punishment. With older kids, however, particularly those who are more emotionally invested in their devices, it may be more impactful.
Things to remember. One of the risks of using screen time as punishment is inadvertently elevating its value. When screens become the ultimate reward or the thing taken away, kids can become more fixated on them. This can lead to even more challenges when trying to set healthy boundaries. Instead, parents can focus on fostering a variety of activities that don’t revolve around screens—such as outdoor play, family game nights, or reading—so that children develop a broader sense of enjoyment beyond their devices. It’s also important to remember that when screens are taken away, it’s helpful to provide children with engaging alternatives. Encouraging them to explore creative outlets, like drawing, playing outside, or building with toys, can keep them occupied while promoting critical thinking and imagination. If kids are simply left with nothing to do, taking screens away may lead to boredom or frustration without reinforcing the lesson.
Set boundaries. Rather than focusing solely on punishment, creating healthy screen habits is key. Setting clear boundaries around screen time can benefit both kids and parents. When children know what to expect—such as designated screen-free times for family meals or before bed—it helps them understand how to use devices responsibly. Dr. Elizabeth Harstad from Boston Children’s Hospital recommends developing a family “media plan” that sets consistent rules and expectations around screen use. “Sit down with your kids and discuss limits on screen time,” she suggests. “Also, make sure that this plan includes fun, non-screen activities that everyone can enjoy together.”
So, to sum it all up, balance is key–not just in terms of how much screen time kids get, but how they are used in their lives overall. When parents set boundaries, encourage mindful screen use, and offer screen-free alternatives, they empower their kids to develop healthy habits that will last into adulthood. Whether it’s limiting screen time or occasionally using it as a consequence, the goal is to help children learn responsibility and balance in a screen-filled world.