Assess Current Screen Use
1 weekTrack family screen time for one week including phones, tablets, TV, and gaming. AAP recommends limits by age group.
Beginner1-2 weeks setup
Screen Time Management Guide
Free step-by-step screen time management for parents of all ages. Plan screen time management with calculators and checklists covering assess current screen.
parents of all agesfamilies establishing digital rulesparents concerned about social media
Workflow
Set Family Media Rules
2-3 hoursCreate device-free zones (meals, bedrooms), screen-free times (1 hour before bed), and content guidelines by age.
Implement Parental Controls
2-4 hoursSet up device parental controls, router-level filtering, app time limits, and family media plan posted visibly.
Review and Adjust Monthly
MonthlyEvaluate rule effectiveness, adjust limits as children age, and prioritize screen-free family activities.
Tools Used
Checklist
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Assessment
Planning
Technology
Sleep
Modeling
Monitoring
Reference Materials
Screen Time Budget FormulaFormula
Daily recreational screen limit = age-based baseline (1h ages 2-5, 2h ages 6-12) − homework screen time. Track with device timers.
AAP Screen Time GuidelinesTable
American Academy of Pediatrics recommended limits by age.
| Age | Daily Limit | Content Guidance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 18 mo | None (video chat OK) | High-quality only | Avoid solo use |
| 18 mo - 5 yr | 1 hour | Educational, co-viewed | No fast-paced content |
| 6-12 yr | Consistent limits | Age-appropriate | No screens 1 hr before bed |
| 13+ yr | Family media plan | Discuss social media | Gradual autonomy increase |
Family Media Plan TemplateStandard
AAP Family Media Plan covers: screen-free zones, screen-free times, device curfew, content rules, and consequences. Create at HealthyChildren.org/mediauseplan.
Model the Behavior
Children adopt parents' screen habits — putting your phone away at meals is more effective than any parental control app.
Screens Delay Sleep
Blue light and stimulating content within 1 hour of bedtime delays sleep onset — enforce device curfew 60 minutes before bed.
Replace, Do Not Just Remove
Cutting screen time without offering engaging alternatives (reading, outdoor play, board games) creates power struggles.
Safety Notes
- Discuss online predators, cyberbullying, and privacy with children before giving unsupervised internet access.
- Keep gaming and social media in shared family spaces — private bedroom access increases risk for younger children.