Screen Time

• Recreational screen time: Time spent on screen behaviours that are not related to school or work.
• Stationary screen time: Time spent using a screen-based device while staying in one place in any context (e.g., school, work, recreational).
• Sedentary screen time: Time spent using a screen-based device while seated or lying down in any context (e.g., school, work, recreational).
• Active screen time: Time spent using a screen-based device while being active in any context (e.g., following an exercise video, or moving along with a sports simulation video game).

• For adults more than 18 years of age, recreational screen time should not be more than three hours per day.
• For children more than five years of age, up to 17 years of age, recreational screen time should not be more than two hours per day.
• For children aged two to five years, limit screen time to one hour or less per day. Screen time should not be a part of routine child care for children under five years of age.
• For infants under two years of age, there is no amount of recommended screen time, unless it is for video chat with caring adults.

A child’s earliest experiences with screens can impact their future patterns of screen time. Parents control access to screens, so a child’s screen time can be limited while they are below five years of age.

As an adult, you can model healthy screen use. You can encourage your child to join you in activities like playing outside, reading, or doing a craft. Avoid using screens as background noise in the house and try to make family time, such as meal time, device free.