Recreational Screen Time

What is screen time?

Too much screen time can be bad for your child’s health. Screen time is the time spent watching TV, playing computer and video games, and surfing the internet. Excessive screen time may contribute to overweight and obesity by taking the place of active play or organised sport, increasing snacking, and increasing demand for unhealthy food and drinks that are heavily advertised on TV.  

Screen Time Recommendations

Parents have a key role in limiting their children’s screen time. Current Australian guidelines for screen time recommend the following:

• 5 – 18 year olds accumulate no more than 2 hours of screen time for entertainment purposes
• 2 – 5 year olds accumulate no more than 1 hour of screen time
• Children younger than two years old do not spend any time viewing TV or other electronic media
  
  

Reducing Your Child's Screen Time

The Parents' Jury suggests a few ways to reduce your children’s screen time:

• Install a shut-down timer on younger children's computers that limits the amount of time they can spend on it.
• Set a switch off time and stick to it.
• Designate certain days of the week as TV-free or computer-free days.
• Keep TVs and Computers in a part of the house where their use can be easily monitored - not in the bedroom.
• Control TV viewing by encouraging children to pick their schedule in advance rather than just sitting in front of the screen watching whatever is on.
• Help your children fill their time in other ways by suggesting play and active recreation ideas.