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HealthInfo Aoraki South Canterbury

Screen-time strategies

Rautaki wā mata

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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.

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Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed December 2024.

Sources

Page reference: 220340

Review key: HIPPR-71581