Is Screen Time Bad For Kids?

In today’s fast paced digital world, many of us rely on technology to get by - children included! In fact, a recent Ofcom report on children in the UK states that some acquire their first phones as toddlers, and by the age of 17, 100% of children will have a mobile phone.

For many adults, our screen time may be quite high, especially if you work from a computer all day. In fact, the average screen time for an adult in the UK is 5 hours per day.

But, would it surprise you to know that this runs higher for children? In February 2024, Ofcom reported that 99% of children spend time online, with research from Specsavers revealing that the average screen time for a child in the UK (aged 5-16) is 6.3 hours every single day.

And whilst some of this may be for homework and learning, the majority isn’t, with 2-3 hours on TV, 1-3 hours on the internet, and 1-2 hours on video games alone.

In fact, we can reveal that children have approximately 2,300 hours of screen time each year - equating to 96 full days annually.

As such, our experts here at EDURINO have explained the science behind both good and bad screen time, and provided tips to reduce your childs’ screen time.

So, what is screen time?

Screen time is directly defined as ‘the amount of time spent using a device with a screen such as a smartphone, computer, television, video game console, or a tablet.’

However, the effects of screen time on children isn’t always a bad thing, and in today’s digital world, the majority of us learn and work with the help of technology. How are you reading this without it?

Screen time can help children develop important life skills for problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration when it’s controlled, and in moderation.

But, is screen time bad for kids? Well, it can depend on the type of screen time you engage in.

Passive screen time, where your child consumes content from an app or game through mindless repetitive and passively absorbing information is of a lower quality and not recommended for younger kids. This can actually overload the brain and disrupt your attention span - not something a child needs in these important stages of their lives.

Looking for activities and interactive entertainment that will encourage a child to interact and create will increase their happiness levels and overall mood, and engage their cognitive skills. This is called active or mindful screen time, and will actually be beneficial for children’s development.

EDURINO’s learning systems seek to educate kids on becoming digital creators instead of just consumers. Combining auditory, visual and fine motor learning, this screen time is productive and makes learning more versatile and fun for little ones.

What is the recommended screen time by age?

Finding the perfect amount of screen time for your child can be a challenge, and every child is different, but there are some recommendations to use as a guideline.

For children under 2 years old, it’s recommended to have absolutely no passive screen time. The first few years of a child's life are the most important, so use this time to encourage speech and physical activity with sensory play.

For children aged 2–5 years old, you should be looking at having no more than one hour per day of screen time, with parental provision advised for the younger children.

For children aged 5–17 years old, the recommended amount of screen time is typically no more than two hours per day, not including any homework that’s been set.

However, we know a one size fits all approach doesn’t always work, and every day is different. Some days you’ll opt for more in-door screen-led time, while some will have more of a focus on outdoor activities.

How to reduce screen time

We’d recommend that you plan any screen time to come after study time. But once you feel your child has reached their passive screen time quota for the day, how do you start to implement restrictions?

1. Set a clear screen time curfew

It’s recommended by health experts to have a screen-free bedtime routine at least 30 minutes before you sleep. This helps to switch off your brain for increased relaxation, allowing you to sleep easier and better.

As such, we recommend setting a bedtime screen time curfew for your child. One hour before bed is the absolute minimum for a child, but any earlier is more than recommended for a good night sleep.

Make sure you’re clear and consistent about the time screens need to be away, and consider implementing this gradually if it’s not something you practise already - or try to swap screen time for some reading before bed. This will minimise tantrums or upset as they won’t feel that they are suddenly being restricted.

2. Use apps with a downtime schedule

Many children’s apps come with a downtime schedule option, which essentially blocks your child from playing any games during certain time periods you set. This can be especially useful at night time (especially if your child tries to take their phone or tablet to bed with them).

If your child has apps that don't allow this option, use parental controls to monitor and control your child’s screen time usage.

At EDURINO, our innovative digital play and learning system can work with both yours and your child's needs, with the ability to adjust the screen time individually at any time. Our Rino character will go to sleep when it is time for your child’s game to finish, giving them a softer transition and minimising pushback from your little ones.

3. Create tech-free times

As a parent, it’s your role to set the rules, and as hard as it can be for our techy children, it’s important to create healthy boundaries from screens.

Enforce tech-free times when your family is together, such as days out, meal times, or even during the weekly food shop, and make it clear that this is a time for socialising, not playing.

Try setting your children a task, such as putting items in the trolley in the local supermarket, for example. Encourage them to participate in everyday activities to prevent them from staring at a screen.

It’s important to lead by example for these times, as if you’re on your phone, your child will wonder why they can’t be as well.

4. Go outside

It may seem simple, but being in the great outdoors is one of the simplest ways to disengage from screens. Being outside releases endorphins, which boosts happiness, mood, and physical health.

Spend time with your children outside and plan family outdoor activities when you can, or if your child is a little bit older and wiser, encourage them to play outside with their friends. This way, screen time isn’t on their minds, and they get fresh air as well as a fresh mind.

You could also arrange some activities for your child. Check out our half-term activities blog for some inspiration!

5. Be realistic

Finally, be realistic with your limits. If you're starting to enforce these rules on a child that’s used to high passive screen time, you can expect a pushback or two. Start to introduce these rules gradually, and increase them when you can.

If your child does take a dislike to this, there are a few ways you can try to calm them:

• Acknowledge their feelings, and let them know you understand, but there are better things they can do with their time.
• Try to redirect their time with other activities, such as active screen time, educational learning, or a fun family game.
• Take your child to a quiet space for them to calm down.

And remember, as always, set an example. Children learn many things from their parents in their early years - words, mannerisms, and actions. Show your children the importance of socialising and being present, and they will follow your lead.

How can EDURINO help?

Here at EDURINO, our mission is to keep learning simple and fun. Our expert team of teachers develop our games alongside game developers and graphic artists, and ensure learning objectives are met through the challenges in our games. The games align seamlessly with the EYFS and National curriculum, promoting school readiness skills. For more information on our products, view our full range here.