Children under ÿve should be physically active for at least 60 minutes a day to keep their bodies ÿt and healthy. It builds their bodies, minds and self-esteem.

Unfortunately, children are not being as active as they should. They are spending too much time using screen technology: tablets, smartphones, computers, handheld video games, and of course, TV. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting children’s total screen time to no more than 1 to 2 hours per day. For children younger than 2, no screen time at all.

Here are some tips to help you limit screen time:

Be a role model! Limit your screen time, too.
Do not allow a TV or computer in your child’s room.
Turn o˜ any screens during meal time or quality time.
If your child is already “hooked on screens,” try reducing the number of hours of screen time slowly over a period of time.
Keep track of time to limit the use of screen technology.
Help your children make a list of fun activities that do not require the use of a screen.
Have the children pick an activity from the list when their screen time is used up.
Encourage them to go outside and play, ride a bike, jump rope, walk the dog, play hopscotch, or hula-hoop, etc.

Weigel, D. 2022, Eat Smart Be Active - Screen Time for Young Children: How Much is Too Much?, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno

Printable Version (PDF)

If you need more information.

Please contact Extension's Communication Team for assistance.

Also of Interest:


Let's Discover STEM: Five-Year Report 2017-2022 Nevada Sustainable Communities Project A seven-week workshop targeting children in at-risk communities in Las Vegas & Reno-Sparks to promote STEM topics and the results of said workshop. Weigel, D., Kim, Y., and Evans, B. 2022, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, IP-22-01
Teaching Young Children About Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion It is important to teach your child about diversity, equity and inclusion. It is so important to help your children learn how to embrace diversity in a way that is respectful and celebrates different cultures, backgrounds and experiences. YaeBin Kim 2021, University of Nevada, Reno, Extension, FS-21-96
E-Books for Young Children Kim, Y. 2017, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Infant Language Development From the moment babies are born, they are learning how to communicate. Babies first communicate by crying and then begin to coo and babble. Infants’ speech develops as they are exposed to sounds and language, spoken and unspoken. Gestures, facial expressions and sounds are all pa... Byington, T. and Kim, Y. 2015, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, FS-15-06
Toddler Language Development During the toddler years (12 to 35 months), children’s language development grows rapidly. Toddlers gain the ability to say words clearly, combine words into phrases, and express their needs and wants. Byington, T. and Kim, Y. 2015, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, Fact Sheet-15-05

Eat Smart Be Active - Screen Time for Young Children: How Much is Too Much?

Children under ÿve should be physically active for at least 60 minutes a day to keep their bodies ÿt and healthy. It builds their bodies, minds and self-esteem.

Here are some tips to help you limit screen time:

Be a role model! Limit your screen time, too.
Do not allow a TV or computer in your child’s room.
Turn o˜ any screens during meal time or quality time.
If your child is already “hooked on screens,” try reducing the number of hours of screen time slowly over a period of time.
Keep track of time to limit the use of screen technology.
Help your children make a list of fun activities that do not require the use of a screen.
Have the children pick an activity from the list when their screen time is used up.
Encourage them to go outside and play, ride a bike, jump rope, walk the dog, play hopscotch, or hula-hoop, etc.

Published by: Weigel, D., 2022, Eat Smart Be Active - Screen Time for Young Children: How Much is Too Much?, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno