5 Screen Time Truths Every Parent Needs to Know — From a Child Psychologist

In today’s digital world, it can feel nearly impossible to keep your child away from screens. Whether it’s TV, tablets, gaming, or homework on a laptop, screens are everywhere. But as a child psychologist, I can tell you this: **how much screen time your child gets truly matters**—and setting boundaries now can protect their development for life.

Here are five essential truths (with facts) every parent needs to know—plus how much screen time is actually safe based on age.

1. There Are Clear Screen Time Limits—And Most Families Exceed Them

According to the **Australian Department of Health** and backed by the **World Health Organization**, these are the recommended screen time limits by age:

• Under 2 years: No screen time at all (except for video calls)

• Ages 2–5: No more than **1 hour per day**, and it should be high-quality, educational content

• Ages 5–12: No more than **2 hours of recreational screen time per day**

• Ages 13–18: Aim for **no more than 3–4 hours per day**, including school use, with screen-free breaks

Yet, recent research shows Australian kids aged 5–17 spend an average of **3.5–4.5 hours per day** on screens—often outside of school use. That’s well above the recommended limits and comes with consequences.

2. Excessive Screen Time Alters Brain Development

Multiple studies, including a large-scale **NIH brain scan study**, found that children who spent more than 7 hours a day on screens showed **premature thinning of the cerebral cortex**, the part of the brain responsible for critical thinking and reasoning.

This doesn’t mean screens are evil—but it does mean that **more is not better**. Young brains need offline time to grow and develop in healthy, balanced ways.

3. Screen Use Before Bed Disrupts Sleep

Exposure to blue light from screens suppresses melatonin and interferes with sleep onset. The **Sleep Health Foundation** recommends that children stop screen use **at least one hour before bedtime**.

Lack of sleep affects memory, learning, mood, and even growth hormones. If your child is constantly overtired, screen time could be part of the problem.

4. Screens Don't Replace Real-Life Learning

Screens can offer educational content, but **they don’t replace physical play, face-to-face interaction, or outdoor exploration**. These are crucial for developing emotional intelligence, motor skills, and resilience.

• The more time children spend in front of screens, the less time they spend learning through play and social experiences—both essential for healthy emotional development,”

• Dr. Justin Coulson, parenting expert and author*

5. Your Child Isn’t Missing Out by Having Less Screen Time at Home

Many parents worry their kids will “fall behind” if they don’t get enough screen exposure at home. But the truth is, **schools already integrate screen-based learning**, especially from Year 1 and beyond.

Limiting screens at home doesn’t disadvantage your child—it actually gives them **balance**. They’re already getting exposure to tech at school. What they need at home is *connection*, *creativity*, *boredom*, and *play*—all of which help build focus and self-regulation.

Tech Isn’t the Enemy—But Boundaries Are Essential

The digital world is here to stay. But as a parent, **you get to set the tone** for how your child engages with it. Limiting screen time isn’t about punishment—it’s about protection. It’s about giving your child the chance to grow up with presence, creativity, and emotional awareness.

The screens aren’t going anywhere—but neither are your parenting instincts. Trust them.

Love Rubie xoxo