As we kick off the start of summer, we’re blessed with more unstructured time with our kids and grandkids. When school is out and routines loosen, screens often become an easy fallback, sometimes just for some necessary peace. But as we know, screen time needs boundaries, especially for developing minds. While screens can offer educational tools and moments of calm, they also carry a downside that requires boundaries and smart choices.
The Downside of Screens for Kids
Too much screen time has been linked to various physical, emotional, and cognitive concerns for children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children ages 2 to 5 should have no more than one hour of high-quality screen time per day. Yet studies show that kids in this age group often exceed that, sometimes dramatically, especially during summer months.
Excessive screen use has been associated with sleep disruption, increased risk of obesity, and even behavioral issues. A 2019 study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that higher screen time at ages 2 and 3 was associated with poorer performance in developmental screening tests at age 5. This included delays in communication, problem-solving, and social skills. The fast-paced editing and overstimulation common in many children’s programming can also desensitize young brains, making it harder for them to focus or find interest in slower, real-world experiences.
Making Screen Time
Work for You in a Healthy Way
Since screens may be a needed part of our day, here are some tips to add boundaries and smart choices:
Choose Low-Stimulation Programming: All screen time is not created equal. High-action, fast-paced cartoons with constant explosions of sound, motion, and bright colors can overwhelm young nervous systems and make it harder to stop watching. Instead, opt for shows and movies that are slower paced, more thoughtful, and encourage problem-solving or storytelling. Choose programs that engage children with gentle rhythms and positive emotional modeling to help them stay regulated and not overstimulated.
Set a Timer: Decide in advance how much screen time your child can have each day and stick to it. Using a kitchen timer or a visual countdown clock can help children understand the boundary and reduce pushback. The timer is the “bad guy”, not you. Many streaming services also now allow you to set daily time limits or lock content after a certain time frame.
Prioritize Active Screen Time: Screens don’t have to mean stillness. Choose interactive options that get your kids moving. Dance-along videos, kids fitness challenges, or sing-alongs that encourage physical activity can transform passive viewing into an opportunity for exercise. This helps balance sedentary time while still offering screen-based fun. There are many YouTube videos for children that inspire movement while watching and get them out of their seats.
Release the Guilt: I know there are days when the screen stays on longer than we’d like due to circumstances outside our control. And that’s okay. Focus on the overall pattern of your family’s screen time. It should be balanced with outdoor play, reading, creative projects, and family connection. Don’t get hung up when there’s an off day when screens are on too long, but focus on continuing to model healthy screen habits.
Screentime, in moderation, can serve a purpose. But left unchecked, it can also replace the richer summer experiences like building forts, running barefoot in the grass, or catching fireflies at dusk. Choose programming wisely and set boundaries to help your children enjoy the best of both worlds.
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