Pediatric experts advise screen time limits for infants

Pediatric experts and organizations, including the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend strict limits on screen time for infants and young children to protect brain development.

For children under 18 months, experts advise avoiding screens entirely, with the exception of video calls with family members. Between 18 and 24 months, high-quality educational content may be introduced, provided it is accompanied by active parental engagement. For children aged 2 to 5 years, screen time should be limited to approximately one hour per day.

Excessive screen use during these formative years can hinder language development and social skills by replacing direct human interaction and physical exploration. Furthermore, using devices to soothe children during emotional distress may prevent them from learning how to regulate their own emotions. Experts also note that fast-paced content and bright lights, especially before bedtime, can negatively impact sleep quality and attention spans.