American Academy of Pediatrics revises children's video game time guidance

Medical experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, say there is no universal hour limit for children older than six years. Instead, they advise parents to assess how video‑game use fits into daily routines and whether it displaces essential activities such as sleep, studying, physical exercise, family time or social interaction.

Guidelines remain clear for younger ages: no screen exposure for children under two, up to one hour per day for ages two to five, and a recommendation of around two hours per day for older children when feasible. A 2025 systematic review linked regular exposure of two to four hours daily to higher risks of cognitive and developmental issues, while other research noted possible benefits for working memory, attention and impulse control. Studies also showed mixed effects on academic performance and highlighted a link between each additional hour of recreational screen time and higher body‑mass index in pre‑adolescents. The overall message emphasizes quality of digital use over strict time limits.