HealthInfo Aoraki South Canterbury
Computers, smartphones and even TV and computer games, can be great resources. They can help your tamariki (children) learn new things, have exciting experiences and give you a break.
But it is important to set limits on screen time. This is so tamariki have more time for being active, playing creatively, socialising and possibly sleeping.
Recommended screen times per day are:
Age |
Recommended maximum screen time per day |
Under 2 years |
No screen time |
2 to 5 years |
1 hour |
Over 5 years |
2 hours outside school |
You can use screen time as a reward for good behaviour, but not in response to demanding or difficult behaviour.
Be involved in what your tamariki are watching, making sure you are deciding what they should watch, not them. Using the recommended age ratings for sites or games is a good start. Common Sense Media has some excellent advice for parents about this.
If you do not keep a close eye on what they are watching and how long they are watching it for, it is easy for your tamariki to watch material that is too mature for them (and may be harmful).
Keep screens like gaming consoles, computers (including tablets), mobile phones and TVs out of their room. This means you can monitor their use more easily. Also, using screens before bedtime can make it harder for them to get to sleep.
Set a good example by monitoring your own screen time. Switch off or hide your phone during mealtimes and when doing activities with your tamariki.
HealthInfo recommends the following videos
A series of short videos providing answers to questions about tamariki staying safe when they are online or using devices.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
A website devoted to helping whānau (families) make smart media choices. It includes recommendations on movies, apps, websites and games, guides for parents, blogs and more.
Information about limiting screen time. Netsafe also has detailed information about online safety in its online safety parent toolkit.
The online safety parent toolkit is also available in te reo Māori, Simplified Chinese, Tongan and Samoan.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed December 2024.
Review key: HIPPR-71581