Screen Time Guidelines by Age
American Academy of Pediatrics screen time and media use guidance by age.
A general population guideline from the American Academy of Pediatrics, not medical advice — individual circumstances vary, and a pediatrician can offer guidance tailored to your child.
2–5 years
Limit to 1 hour per day of high-quality programming, ideally watched together.
Under 18 months
Avoid screen media other than video chatting with family.
18–24 months
If introducing media, choose high-quality programming and watch it together.
2–5 years
Limit to 1 hour per day of high-quality programming, ideally watched together.
6 years and older
Place consistent limits on time and types of media, and make sure it doesn't displace sleep, physical activity, or other healthy behaviors.
For informational and educational purposes only — not medical advice, and not a substitute for consulting a qualified professional about your specific situation. TrueMeasureKit is not liable for decisions made based on these results. See our Terms of Service.
Why there's no fixed hour limit past age 6
The AAP's guidance gets less prescriptive as kids get older — younger children's guidelines set concrete limits (avoid entirely, or cap at 1 hour) because their media use is almost entirely passive viewing. For school-age children and teens, media includes homework, communication, and creative tools alongside entertainment, so the AAP shifts from a fixed number to a principle: keep limits consistent, and make sure media isn't crowding out sleep, physical activity, or in-person time.
Frequently asked questions
What does the AAP recommend by age?
Roughly: no screen use (besides video chatting) under 18 months, limited high-quality programming for 18 months to 2 years, about 1 hour per day for ages 2–5, and consistent, individualized limits with attention to content quality for older children and teens.
Does this apply to educational screen time too?
AAP guidance emphasizes content quality and context alongside total duration — co-viewing and educational content are treated more favorably than passive entertainment, but total time limits are still recommended for younger children.