By Nathalie Vallerand

Young children may love them, but screen devices should be used in moderation to prevent the risks from outweighing the benefits. It’s important to teach your kids how to use them properly and to set limits at a young age.

According to a Canadian study, 2-year-olds spend an average of 2.4 hours a day in front of a screen, a figure that rises to 3.6 hours a day by age 3. Per a 2022 report from the Institut de la statistique du Québec, 16 percent of children in kindergarten for 5-year-olds spend an average of 2 hours or more a day in front of screens.

That’s hardly surprising: screens provide entertainment, and many parents find them practical for keeping their kids busy. However, to develop properly, children need human interaction and a wide variety of activities, such as doing puzzles and arts and crafts, sculpting with modelling clay, reading, doing somersaults, and playing catch. In other words, screens should not be the focal point of their day.

“We’ve heard reports that some kids have poorer motor skills than others when they start school because they likely haven’t done enough running, jumping, throwing, drawing, or making cutouts,” says Cathy Tétreault, founder of Centre Cyber-aide and director of Maison des jeunes L’Antidote de Duberger. “Some also lack certain social skills because they’ve spent more time using screens than interacting in real life with their peers.”

What’s more, young children who spend a lot of time in front of a TV or tablet don’t get enough exercise, which in the long run can lead to becoming overweight. Indeed, studies have demonstrated a link between screens and excess weight in children.

“Watching TV for prolonged periods interferes with cognitive development, language use and acquisition, and the foundations of executive function (emotional regulation, attention, working memory),” says Dr. Stacey Bélanger, a pediatrician at CHU Sainte-Justine, member of the Canadian Paediatric Society’s Digital Health Task Force, and member of the Institut national de santé publique du Québec’s scientific committee on the presence of screens in school.

Screens can also negatively affect children’s ability to regulate their emotions and behaviour, as well as interfere with their sleep. It’s recommended that screens be put away at least one hour before bedtime.

The parents of 16-month-old Charlotte try to avoid exposing their daughter to any screens, in keeping with the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) recommendations: no screens before age 2, except to communicate with loved ones through video apps. “We’re not against screens,” says Kevin Galarneau, Charlotte’s dad. “We’ll definitely introduce our daughter to educational games on the tablet in a few months. But for now, she has plenty to discover in her environment.”

For children between the ages of 2 and 5, Canadian pediatricians recommend limiting screen time to one hour per day, regardless of the type of device (smartphone, tablet, TV, computer, or game console). For children older than 5, the CPS does not suggest a maximum time limit, but recommends using screens wisely.

The Quebec government also recommends limiting screen time to 1 hour a day for children aged 2 to 5 and 2 hours a day for children aged 6 to 12.

The upside of screen devices

Of course, screen devices aren’t entirely bad for kids. They’re fun to use and can help reinforce learning. For example, 4-year-old Rafael often watches cartoons in Portuguese, his dad’s native tongue. “It’s a way for him to hear more Portuguese,” says his mother, Andrée-Anne Lalancette.

“Quality TV shows with age-appropriate content are another way to promote certain aspects of cognitive development, including prosocial attitudes and imaginary play, in children between the ages of 2 and 4,” says Dr. Stacey Bélanger. “Interactive reading apps can also help them recognize sounds and learn new words.”

Even video games can have educational benefits when they are well chosen and adapted to a child’s age. For example, they can contribute to the development of logical reasoning, visual and spatial skills, and problem-solving ability.

However, children learn more if an adult is with them when they’re using a screen device, so it’s best to be by your child’s side while they play on a tablet or watch television. That way, you can congratulate them on getting to the next level in their game or talk about what’s happening on the TV.

Finally, keep in mind that it’s difficult for young children to apply what they’ve learned using a screen to real life. “Young children learn much better in three dimensions, when they can interact directly with their parents and caregivers,” says Dr. Bélanger.

Time for other activities

If you’re thinking that limiting your child’s screen time is easier said than done, you’re not alone! According to the Québec Parenting Survey published in 2022, more than 25 percent of parents with at least one child aged 0 to 5 find it difficult to supervise their child’s use of screens.

“I always have to do a countdown to get my sons to stop playing video games or watching videos,” says Ariane Foisy, mother of 4-year-old Zack Émyl and 6-year-old Nathan. “They’d be in front of their screens all day if I didn’t set limits.”

The parents of 2-year-old Aydann and 7-year-old Malaïka don’t want their kids to use screens on weekdays, but it’s not always easy. “In the morning, Aydann often comes into our room before we can hide the phone we use as an alarm clock,” says Aurore Robert-Mavounia, Aydann’s mom. “As soon as he sees it, he wants to watch cartoons on YouTube. We try to distract him, but sometimes we give in and let him use it for five minutes.”

The organization Pause Your Screen recommends getting into the habit of using screens for no more than 30 minutes at a time only at specific times during the day (e.g., 15 minutes when you get back from daycare). The organization also recommends keeping in mind that, although the recommendation is not to exceed one hour of screen time per day, this is a maximum and not a goal. If your little one is busy with other things and doesn’t use screens at all during the day, that’s even better.

Should we go so far as to prohibit young children from using screen devices? “It’s up to parents to decide what’s right for their kids, but screens are a part of our lives and they’re here to stay, so it’s a good idea to show kids how to use them responsibly,” says Normand Landry, a professor at TÉLUQ University and holder of the Canada Research Chair in Media Education and Human Rights.

Keep in mind that good habits are easier to form at an early age. Setting limits with a young child is also easier than cutting down on an older child’s screen time!

Depending on your family situation and your child’s specific needs, you may need to approach screens differently, but the tips here are a good starting point for building healthy habits around screen usage.

1. Be mindful about screen time.

Using a screen shouldn’t become a reflex. Screen time is easier to manage when a child is used to turning the TV or tablet on only at specific times or for a specific reason, like to watch their favourite show. It’s also recommended to vary the way you use screens. Try to avoid spending all of your screen time doing something passive, like watching TV. For instance, try changing things up by colouring on a tablet or having a video call with Grandma and Grandpa.

2. Choose quality content.

Focus on shows, videos, and educational games that are tailored to your child’s age group. “You can also encourage them to use screens to create things and develop skills,” says media education specialist Normand Landry. “For example, there are apps for drawing, making up stories, etc. The best apps are those that allow your child to think and actively participate.”

3. Supervise your child.

Taking an interest in what your child does in general, and what they do with screens in particular, is important. Talk about what they’re watching, what they’re playing, and what they’re interested in: “What did you like about the story?” “Do you think that could ever happen in real life?” “What do you need to do to reach the next level?” As your child becomes increasingly independent in their use of screens, the internet, and social media, they’ll know that they can always talk to you if they need to.

4. Don’t allow screens in your child’s bedroom.

Otherwise, you might have a hard time managing how they use them after you’ve tucked them in. In addition, as your child is often alone in their room, there is a higher risk of them being exposed to inappropriate content. It’s also best to turn screens off at least one hour before bedtime. “Light from screens makes the brain think it’s daytime, so the body produces less melatonin, a hormone that helps us sleep,” says Cathy Tétreault, founder of Centre Cyber-aide and director of Maison des jeunes L’Antidote de Duberger.

5. Warn your child before asking them to turn off screens.

This will keep them from being taken by surprise. Don’t forget that young children have no sense of time. If there are just a few minutes left in the show your child is watching, it’s okay to let them finish it. How would you like it if someone switched off your screen in the middle of your favourite show?

6. Plan screen-free activities.

“To avoid upsetting my son when it’s time to turn off the tablet or TV, I suggest doing other activities he likes, such as drawing, arts and crafts, going to the park, or playing with his toy kitchen,” says Andrée-Anne Lalancette, mother of 4-year-old Rafael and 4-month-old Matias.

7. Accept tantrums.

Some kids will throw a fit when you try to take away their screens. Cathy Tétreault says that parents have to stand their ground. “Being able to walk away from an activity you enjoy when necessary is a useful skill at any age. Remember that your child has everything to gain from doing a variety of activities.”

8. Teach by example.

Young children tend to imitate their parents’ behaviour, so it’s important to show your child that you can give them your full attention without checking your phone.

Many parents spend a lot of time on their mobile devices. This habit can interfere with the time they spend with their kids.

Some parents can’t help but check their phones to go on social media or send a text, even while pushing their child in their stroller, feeding them, having a meal, playing a game, or spending time at the park.

More and more scientific studies are examining the impact of screens on family life, and the results are sobering: When parents are focused on an electronic device, they interact less with their children and pay less attention to them. These constant interruptions in our interpersonal communication caused by our need to check our phones are known as “technoference.”

Catherine Piché, mother of 16-month-old Charlotte, has noticed how distracting technology can be. “To be there for a friend who was going through a hard time, I was constantly on Messenger for a few days to chat with my friends. At one point I realized I was so absorbed in my phone that I was paying less attention when my daughter talked to me. I wasn’t happy about that!”

“Look at me!”

Interacting with young children is essential to their development. “Your child needs you to talk to them, look at them, and play with them,” says psychologist Marie-Anne Sergerie. “It’s essential to helping them build self-esteem, develop social skills, manage their emotions, and learn in general.

When a child lacks attention, they may express their needs in a negative way, like by throwing a tantrum.” In fact, research shows that the more time parents spend on electronic devices, the more their relationship with their child suffers.

Reduce your screen time

It goes without saying that screens are useful. The challenge is finding a balance so that they don’t disrupt your family life. Using them less when you’re around your kids is a good start. Ariane Foisy, mother of 4-year-old Zack Émyl and 6-year-old Nathan, is trying to do just that. “I have a small business and I used to work on my laptop on weekends. Someone pointed it out to me and it made me think. Since then, my weekends have been more about spending time with my sons than working.”

For her part, Aurore Robert-Mavounia, mother of 2-year-old Aydann and 7-year-old Malaïka, has deleted a lot of the apps on her phone. “The more time I spent checking who said what on Facebook or playing games, the less quality time I spent with my family.”

More ideas for managing your screen time

• Get into the habit of putting your phone down right away and looking at your child when they talk to you or want your attention.
• Establish a noscreen rule (that includes smartphones!) during key family moments: dinnertime, bedtime, trips to the park, etc.
• Turn off screens and put your phone away while playing with your child.
• Check your weekly screen time report on your phone. If your usage is high, set goals to gradually reduce it. You could, for instance, turn off notifications or use a screen time management app like Opal or Cape. You can also set time limits for certain apps in your phone’s settings.

Finding it hard to disconnect?

Are you addicted to your phone or to video games? Start by trying to figure out why: Do you use your phone to escape boredom, avoid your problems, reduce stress, relax, or calm down? “Pay attention to how you feel when you can’t use your device,” says Marie-Anne Sergerie. “If you get grumpy, frustrated, upset, or depressed, it could be a sign that you’re using it to manage your emotions.”

If this rings true for you, Sergerie suggests exploring healthier ways to meet your needs, such as walking, meditating, exercising, taking your child to the park, reading, or listening to music. “The idea isn’t to eliminate screens altogether but to remember that there are other ways to keep yourself entertained.”

By using screens in moderation, you set a good example for your child. “I worked hard to break my addiction to my smartphone,” says Aurore. “I want to show my kids that there’s more to life than staring at screens, starting with showing an interest in the people around us.”

Beware when sharing photos According to a 2018 study by the Children’s Commissioner for England, by the time a child is 13, their parents will have shared, on average, 1,300 photos of them online. This finding raises concerns about children’s safety and privacy. Photos that reveal personal information about a child, such as their name, birthday, or school, could put them at risk of identity theft or bullying later on. “The child hasn’t consented to any of this,” says Cathy Tétreault, founder of Centre Cyber-aide and director of Maison des jeunes l’Antidote de Duberger. “When they grow up, they might not appreciate seeing their whole life on the internet, especially since the images will probably still be traceable.” Her advice to parents is to limit posting pictures of their kids as much as possible and to make the photos accessible to their loved ones only. It’s also a good idea to let relatives know about these rules to make sure they respect them too. To learn more, read our feature on this topic: Protecting young children in the digital age.

Screen time: Separating fact from fiction

Having the TV on when nobody’s watching it isn’t good for kids.

True

Long periods of TV background noise can affect a child’s development. “It can interfere with language, concentration, and cognitive development, including executive functions that allow children to regulate their emotions and act in an organized way perform complex tasks,” says Dr. Stacey Bélanger of CHU Sainte-Justine. Even if the kids aren’t watching, having the TV on is a distraction that prevents them from doing more stimulating activities, such as interacting with their parents and caregivers or playing with toys. What’s more, when the TV is constantly on in the background, there’s a higher risk of kids being exposed to content that is inappropriate for their age (e.g., ads or violence).

When they’re on vacation, kids have a right to relax, so there’s no need to limit their screen time.

False

“Children shouldn’t view screens as the only way to relax or the most fun activity,” says Cathy Tétreault, founder of Centre Cyber-aide and director of Maison des jeunes L’Antidote de Duberger. “During vacations, we should be spending more time as a family and doing things we don’t usually get to do. Extra screen time shouldn’t be a priority. Bad habits form fast, and it might be hard to go back to normal afterwards.”

Childcare centres aren’t allowed to use screens, not even for watching educational programs.

False

Current regulations allow educational childcare centres to use TVs or other audiovisual equipment if they are part of the curriculum. Since 2022, the guidelines have been clarified to further limit the use of screens in childcare settings. Their use is now prohibited with children under the age of 2, and screen time must not exceed 30 minutes in any one day. In addition, screen time is only allowed occasionally (not regularly). Even though screens are not prohibited, the Ministère de la Famille suggests avoiding them because young children should spend their time moving around and exploring their environment rather than looking at screens. If you’re concerned about your child being exposed to screens at daycare, don’t hesitate to talk to their educator.

Watching TV or videos at mealtimes encourages children to eat more even if they’re full.

True

Watching TV or playing a video game while eating distracts children from what’s on their plate. If your child is absorbed in what’s happening on the screen, they may eat mindlessly, without noticing their hunger cues. This means they’re more likely to overeat while using screens.

In order for your child to learn to listen to their body and stop eating once full, it’s important not to use screens at mealtimes. It’s also easier to have family discussions that way!

Watching TV calms children down.

Neither true nor false

According to the Canadian Paediatric Society, screens can be useful from time to time for calming an overexcited child. However, it’s important to avoid content that is overstimulating (special effects, loud volume, fast editing, etc.). At the same time, screens can become a crutch if used too often: the child might come to rely on screens to manage their behaviour and emotions. In addition, they may begin to view screen time as a reward for difficult behaviour. So, it’s best not to make a habit of it.

It’s important for young children to learn to use a computer or tablet; otherwise they’ll lag behind their peers when they start school.

False

Using digital technologies at a young age isn’t beneficial to a child’s development and doesn’t give kids an advantage once they start going to school. “Children learn to use technology very quickly,” says psychologist Marie-Anne Sergerie. “What we should really be concerned about is kids who spend too much time looking at screens.” Media education specialist Normand Landry adds, “What benefits kids at school isn’t knowing how to use a tablet but having been read to.”

Source: Naître et grandir magazine, May–June 2019 Research and copywriting: Nathalie Vallerand Scientific review: Catalina Briceño, professor and director at UQAM’s media school and author. Updated: July 2024

Photos : GettyImages/Svetikd, Maxim Morin, GettyImages/PeopleImages et Kiankhoon, GettyImages/VorDa, Maxim Morin et GettyImages/Rawpixel, GettyImages/Damircudic, globalmoments et MonkeyBusinessImages