- Set age-appropriate time limits for your child. Avoid digital media use (except video-chatting) in children younger than 18 to 24 months. For children 2 to 5 years of age, limit screen use to 1 hour per day of high-quality programming.
- Make screen time shared time. Read, watch, and play with your child when they’re using screens and the value of that time will skyrocket.
- Pay attention to your child’s cues. If certain games are frustrating, over-stimulating, or too difficult or easy for your child, move on. What works for one child may not work for another.
- Turn off televisions and other devices when not in use.
- Avoid using media to calm your child. No one is going to fault you for handing a tablet over to your screaming toddler on an airplane, but pick your moments wisely. Using media as a way to calm can limit the ability of a child to develop their own coping skills.
- Establish a few ‘no-screen’ zones, like the dinner table and the bedroom, and other places where media could hinder conversation with your family.
- Be a positive role model. Think about how often your child sees you on your phone, computer, or tablet and talk to your child about how you use media.