U.S. health experts warn screen time displaces play for children

More than 65 % of U.S. children aged 2‑17 exceed the recommended two hours of recreational screen time on weekdays, according to recent research. Experts say that when screens replace unstructured, imaginative play they can impede language development, emotional regulation, physical activity and sleep. "Screen time itself isn’t the problem—it’s what it replaces," noted Dr. Lakshmi Reddy, senior medical director at Highmark Wholecare.

To counterbalance excessive screen use, specialists recommend setting limits around sleep, school and social time, co‑viewing educational content, and encouraging screen‑free activities such as sidewalk chalk, fort building and nature walks. A number of adventure games designed for Android and iOS—such as LEGO Tower, Pepi Wonder World, Minecraft and Pet Bingo—are highlighted as educational options that can support creativity while keeping children engaged with technology in a more purposeful way.