Screen Time Recommendations
Recommended Screen Time by Age: A Guide for Balanced Screen Use
Screen use has now become an integral part of our daily lives, whether for work, education, or entertainment. However, excessive screen use can lead to various issues, including sleep disorders, concentration difficulties, and increased sedentary behavior, especially among younger individuals. It is therefore essential to set appropriate limits for each age group to ensure a balanced use of digital technologies.
1
Babies and Young Children (0 to 2 Years)
No screen time for children under 2 years old, except for video calls with family members or close friends.
The development of babies relies on their interactions with their physical and social environment. Screens, while appealing, do not provide the necessary interaction at this crucial age. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend avoiding screens before the age of 2. At this age, children learn best by handling real objects and interacting directly with the people around them.
Encourage physical and sensory play that stimulates cognitive development.
Use screens only for video calls with loved ones, and never as a means of passive entertainment.
2
Preschool-Aged Children (2 to 5 Years)
No more than 1 hour of screen time per day for children aged 2 to 5, with high-quality content.
At this age, children begin to show interest in digital content, but they still need strong interaction with their physical environment for full development. The content viewed should be carefully selected to be educational and engaging, and it should be accompanied by an adult to facilitate interaction and learning.
Choose age-appropriate apps or shows, such as interactive and educational programs.
Encourage regular breaks to avoid long periods of continuous screen time. The Coco Pense and Coco Bouge apps, for example, include sports breaks every 15 minutes to prevent prolonged sedentary behavior.
3
School-Aged Children (6 to 12 Years)
Between 1 to 2 hours of recreational screen time per day, excluding educational or school-related screen time.
School-aged children are increasingly exposed to screens, whether for homework or entertainment. At this age, screen use can be beneficial if it involves educational content or interactive games that stimulate learning. However, it is important to set clear limits to prevent negative impacts on sleep, concentration, or physical activities.
Set clear rules regarding allowed screen time outside of school tasks.
Encourage regular physical activities. The Coco Pense and Coco Bouge app is ideal for motivating children to take active breaks.
Encourage social interaction and physical play outside of screen time.
4
Teenagers (13 to 18 Years)
Limit recreational screen time to about 2 hours per day.
Teenagers are often the ones who spend the most time in front of screens, whether for social media, video games, or streaming. While screens are often used for educational purposes, it is crucial to monitor their recreational use to avoid negative consequences on mental and physical health.
Studies show that excessive screen time in teenagers can lead to sleep disorders, decreased concentration, and sometimes social isolation. Setting reasonable limits and encouraging alternative activities is essential for maintaining balance.
Encourage regular breaks, especially when teenagers use screens for gaming or social media.
Set usage rules such as banning screens at the table or before bedtime to preserve sleep quality.
Offer alternatives such as outings, sports activities, or creative hobbies.
4
Adults (18 Years and Older)
No specific limit, but it is recommended to limit recreational screen time to 2 hours per day and alternate with periods of physical activity.
Adults, especially those who work on computers, spend many hours in front of screens each day. However, it is important to ensure that screen time is not extended too long to avoid eye strain, posture-related pain, and sleep disturbances.
Take regular breaks every 20 to 30 minutes to stand up, stretch, and look away to prevent eye strain.
Set aside screen-free time, such as an hour before bedtime, to promote better sleep quality.
Alternate recreational activities with physical or social activities to balance your routine.
Create a Healthy Digital Balance
Screens are an integral part of our daily lives, but excessive use can lead to negative consequences at any age. By following these recommendations and setting appropriate limits for each age group, it is possible to enjoy the benefits of technology while maintaining a healthy balance. For children, the Coco Pense and Coco Bouge app is an excellent way to incorporate active breaks into their screen time, while teenagers and adults can benefit from tools to better manage their screen time and encourage more mindful usage.