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Screen Time & Your Child: What Parents Need to Know

It’s no secret: kids are spending more time on screens than ever before. And while technology can be a helpful tool for learning and connection, too much of it (or the wrong kind) can negatively affect your child’s physical, emotional, and mental health.


Let’s break it down.


How Much is Too Much?

Different ages need different boundaries when it comes to screens:

  • Under 18 months: Avoid screen time entirely (except for video calls with loved ones).

  • 18–24 months: Stick to high-quality programming and co-watch with your child.

  • 2–5 years: No more than one hour per day—make it count with educational, high-quality content.

  • 6+ years: Ensure screen use doesn’t interfere with sleep, physical activity, or relationships.


Watch: Too Much Screen Time Affects Your Child’s Health: Watch here


What’s the Real Impact?

The research is clear: too much screen time can lead to changes in brain development, sleep problems, attention issues, emotional dysregulation, and social withdrawal. One of the most trusted voices on this issue, Dr. Trish Leigh, shares insight on how screens impact children neurologically.


Watch: What Screens Do to Your Child’s BrainWatch here

Watch: The Harmful Effects of Screen TimeWatch here

Watch: TODAY Show Report on Screen Time StudyWatch here


What Can You Do as a Parent?

It’s not realistic to eliminate screens entirely, but we can be smarter about how and when they’re used.


Here are a few key considerations:

  • Quality matters. Not all screen time is bad. Educational games, video calls with family, or movie nights together are very different from hours of mindless scrolling or solo gaming.

  • Watch with them. Co-viewing gives you a chance to talk about what they’re watching and build connection.

  • Create screen-free zones. Keep mealtimes and bedrooms device-free.

  • Balance is everything. Prioritize sleep, outdoor play, chores, social time, and screen breaks.

  • Pay attention. Watch for signs of overstimulation, sleep disruption, or behavior changes.

  • Model healthy use. Kids don’t just watch screens, they watch you. Make sure you’re setting the tone.


Watch: How to Handle Screen Time—for Your Kids and YouWatch here


The Two Most Important Takeaways

If you remember nothing else, remember this:

  1. Parental supervision is key.

  2. Quality over quantity: not all screen time is created equal.


You’ve got this. And if you need a partner in navigating parenting in a digital age, we’re here.


For more help with navigating parenting, please reach out to Family Guidance and Outreach. FGO is a nonprofit agency in Lubbock that provides free parenting classes and school-based programs to help families build stronger, safer homes. Learn more at www.lubbockfamily.org.


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