Screen Time for Littles: What’s Healthy, What’s Helpful?

In today’s tech-filled world, screens are everywhere. From smartphones and tablets to TVs and laptops, digital media is a regular part of daily life—and that includes the lives of our youngest children. But as parents and caregivers, many of us wonder: How much screen time is too much? And how can we make sure screen time supports—not hinders—healthy development?
In this post, we’ll share expert recommendations, explain the risks of too much screen time, and offer practical tips and tools to help families make screen time healthy, meaningful, and manageable.
 
What Do the Experts Say?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), these are the current screen time guidelines for young children:

• Under 18 months: Avoid screen time entirely, except for video chatting with loved ones.
• 18–24 months: Introduce high-quality content, and always co-view with your child to help them understand what they’re seeing.
• Ages 2–5: Limit screen time to 1 hour per day of high-quality, educational content. Always engage with your child during screen time.

 
These guidelines are based on research showing that excessive screen use in early childhood can impact a child’s sleep, language development, attention span, and physical activity.
 
The Risks of Too Much Screen Time
While technology can be a powerful tool, it’s important to know the potential downsides of overuse:

• Delayed Language Development: Children need conversation to build language. Passive screen time can replace important back-and-forth communication.
• Shortened Attention Span: Fast-paced, overstimulating shows make it harder for young children to focus on real-world activities.
• Poor Sleep: Blue light from screens can disrupt melatonin production, especially when used close to bedtime.
• Reduced Physical Movement: Time on screens often means less time for climbing, running, dancing, and gross motor development.

 
The Benefits of Screen Time—When Used Wisely
Not all screen time is created equal. When carefully chosen and used in moderation, digital media can support learning and connection. Healthy screen time can:

• Reinforce early academic concepts like letters, numbers, and problem-solving
• Support dual-language learners through visual and verbal pairing
• Celebrate diversity and provide positive representation
• Encourage co-viewing and bonding between children and caregivers

 
What Makes a Program “High Quality”?
When choosing content, look for shows, videos, and apps that are:

• Slow-paced and simple: Avoid chaotic or fast-cut scenes
• Interactive: Encourages singing, repeating, guessing, or thinking
• Developmentally appropriate: Matches your child’s age and interests
• Ad-free: Avoids commercial content that can confuse young viewers

 
Screen Time Tips for Families
Here are five simple ways to make screen time healthier and more purposeful:
1. Co-View and Talk About It
Watch together. Ask questions like, “Why do you think she felt sad?” or “What would you do if that happened to you?”
2. Set Clear Limits
Use a timer or visual schedule. Create screen-free zones, such as the dinner table, car rides, and bedrooms.
3. Follow Screen Time With Real Play
Have your child act out a scene, draw their favorite character, or retell the story using toys.
4. Avoid Passive Binge-Watching
Favor interactive apps or shows that encourage movement, singing, or problem-solving over back-to-back episodes.
5. Model Healthy Habits
Put your own devices away during family time. Your child learns from what you do.
 
LCCA’s Favorite Educational Shows & Apps
We’ve put together a list of teacher- and parent-approved digital content that’s fun, engaging, and developmentally appropriate for children ages 0–5:
Shows:

• Sesame Street – Teaches empathy, letters, and social skills
• Bluey – Highlights imagination, sibling relationships, and play
• Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood – Supports emotional regulation and routines
• Super Why! – Builds phonemic awareness and early literacy
• Mrs. Rachel (Songs for Littles) – Exceptional for speech, language, and early milestones
• Forky Asks a Question – Simple, short lessons on big questions for curious kids

Apps:

• Khan Academy Kids – Interactive stories, math, and literacy
• PBS Kids Games App – Educational and ad-free
• StoryBots – Songs and videos packed with facts, humor, and engagement
• Lego Duplo World App – Open-ended, hands-on play with problem-solving
• Elmo Loves 123’s – A playful way to learn counting and number recognition

 
 What We Do at LCCA
At Las Colinas Children’s Academy, active learning always comes first. Children learn best when they explore with their senses, move their bodies, and build relationships.
We use screen time intentionally and sparingly in our classrooms, including:

• Short educational videos to enhance a group lesson
• Music and movement songs during circle time
• Video chatting with pen pals or virtual tours that spark curiosity

Screens are never used to replace play or supervision. Instead, they are tools we use with intention and purpose.
 
New Printable Resource: Screen-Free Time Tracker
We’re excited to share our LCCA Screen-Free Time Tracker—a simple and helpful way to build healthy media habits at home!
The tracker includes:

• Daily space to log screen time
• A spot to record your family’s screen-free goals
• Yes/No checkboxes to track screen-free activities
• A total screen time summary at the end of the week

 
Final Thoughts
Technology is a part of our lives—and when used wisely, it can support learning and connection. But nothing can replace the value of real play, real conversation, and real relationships.
At LCCA, we’re here to partner with you as you navigate screen time and early childhood. Together, we can raise children who are curious, creative, and connected—not just to screens, but to the world and people around them.
Let’s build a healthy digital foundation, one thoughtful choice at a time.

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