Family Health
Back to Fall 2026
Screen time and your child's mental health
Did you know?
Children/youth who spend more than five hours a day on screens are at higher risk for self-harm compared to those who spend only one hour.
What can you do to help?
- Lead by example: Put devices down and be fully present.
- Choose connection: Read, play games, and enjoy the outdoors together.
- Keep devices in shared family spaces.
What are the suggested screen time limits?
- Under 24 months old: no screen time
- 2 to 5 years old: limit of one hour per day
- 6 to 12 years old: no more than two hours per day
- 13 to 18 years old: no more than three hours per day
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Geovany Lizarraga, MPH, CHES, Wellness and Prevention Program Specialist I, Bilingual I
Categories: Screen time
