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

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Also of Interest:


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
Young Children Who Learn Self Control Have More Chances for Success Preschoolers who are better at self control become more self-confident, more independent, better at handling stress and frustration, and better in academic performance during adolescence. Parents and child care providers play a vital role in helping young children develop self c... Kim, Y. 2011, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, Fact Sheet FS-11-57
Developmental Milestones for Toddlers This fact sheet explains the many things toddlers can do from 12 to 36 months. Kock, J. 2006, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-06-78
The Benefits of Employing Certified Babysitters This fact sheet explains the benefits of employing certified babysitters by exploring the skills, expectations, and certification of certified babysitters. Clark, M., Caldera, Z., and Leigh, G. 2004, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-04-64
You And Your Baby: The Nurturing Team… This fact sheet contains extensive information on nurturing a baby from the early months (12-24). Learn more about foods and facts that will help benefit your toddler years. Sigman-Grant. M. 2002, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-02-14

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