Key points about screen time
- screens are becoming a big part of everyday life for many tamariki and rangatahi
- research shows that too much screen time can affect your child's health and well-being
- understanding screen time will help you manage your child's electronic device use in a healthy way
What is screen time?
Screen time refers to the total time someone spends using electronic devices with screens. Activities that tamariki and rangatahi do during screen time include watching videos, playing games, interacting on social media, and browsing the internet.
Why it's important to know about screen time
Screens are a big part of everyday life for many tamariki and rangatahi. It is important for parents and whānau to know about 'screen time' so you can help support your child to use screens in a healthy and balanced way.
It’s normal to have questions and concerns about managing screen time in your household. See below for some tips and suggestions that may help you find a balanced and healthy approach to screen time for your whānau.
Different types of screen time
Screen time can be split into different categories based on the activities that your child is doing while using screens.
Passive screen time
Passive screen time involves activities where tamariki and rangatahi look at content without engaging with it. This includes scrolling through social media feeds, watching TV, and browsing YouTube videos that have no interactive elements.
Interactive screen time
Interactive screen time is when tamariki and rangatahi actively engage, mentally or physically, with the activity on the screen. Examples include playing video games that involve problem-solving or using educational apps.
Social screen time
Social or communication screen time includes socialising with others. Video calls with friends or whānau, messaging, and participating in online social communities are all examples of social screen time.
Creative screen time
Creative screen time involves creating or producing something. This could be a movie, music, website or a piece of art. Coding also counts as creative screen time.
Educational screen time
Educational screen time includes interactive learning apps, educational videos, e-books, and online educational programs.
Managing your child's screen time in a healthy way
There are many ways you can help your child manage their screen time in a healthy way. It's important to always monitor the nature of the content your child is watching to check it is appropriate for them. Being a good role model, setting parental controls, and engaging with your child during screen time are all ways to help your child manage their screen time in a healthy way.
Screen Time - Tips To Support Your Child To Have A Healthy Balance
How much screen time is too much for my child?
Some parents may find it useful to limit their child’s screen time. But, limiting screen time may not suit all families. Previously, specific screentime caps were recommended for different age groups. While there is still value in limiting screen time for younger tamariki under 2 years of age, the focus has shifted to monitoring the quality of screen time.
To monitor the quality of your child's screen time you could focus on:
- when your child has screen time
- where they have screen time
- how they use screens
- what they watch or do on their screens
- how it affects their relationships with friends and whānau
How screen time affects your child's health
Researchers continue to study the impact of screen time on tamariki and rangatahi. Research shows that too much screen time can negatively impact young people's health, well-being and development.
Research has found that too much screen time for tamariki and rangatahi affects different aspects of their health and wellbeing. It can affect their:
- vision and eye health
- sleep
- brain development
- physical health
- mental and emotional wellbeing
The following KidsHealth pages have more information about the impacts of screen time on your child's health.
Screen Time & Eye Health In Children
Screen Time & Brain Development In Children & Young People
Current knowledge and developing research
Researchers are continuing to better understand the impact of screen time on tamariki and rangatahi. A lot of existing knowledge comes mainly from observational research. This sort of research makes it challenging to separate the effects of screen time from other factors influencing a child's health and development. Most of the research to date is based on TV watching. Other screen types, like smartphones and gaming devices, are actively being researched.
