Limit Use of TV, Computers and Mobile Devices

Moderation of screen time (which includes TV, videos, DVDs, computers, tablets, video games and handheld devices) is key for healthy development and staying active. Screen time should be limited to no more than 30 minutes a week while in child care, and no screen time for children under age two.

Support children’s social and physical development by reducing screen time in your child care and early education program.

Reading is a great way to reduce screen time.

 

Screen-Time Reduction Toolkit

The Screen-Time Reduction Toolkit for Child Care Providers is full of helpful information. Learn facts about kids and screen time, how to work with parents, tips for older children, how to write a screen-time policy and more.

Download the Screen-Time Reduction Toolkit »

 

For Parents:

How to Reduce Screen Time

Parents can set a good example by limiting their own TV viewing, smart phone and video game use. An easy rule to follow could be a “no TV” rule during meals. It is also helpful to track screen time with a scheduling sheet.

Read “Healthy Habits for TV” for more tips »

Professional Development:

HKHF Training Module — Reduce Screen Time

Healthy Kids, Healthy Future (HKHF) training modules were developed in partnership with PennState, Better Kid Care, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Healthy Kids, Healthy Future—Reduce Screen Time will help ECE providers identify the benefits of reducing or managing screen time, understand the best practice recommendations for screen time for young children, determine strategies and ideas to reduce or eliminate screen time in ECE programs, and learn about resources available.

Video Resource:

Screen Free Moments

Learn simple ways to limit or even eliminate screen time in your child care and early education program with this short eight-minute video.

Watch “Screen Free Moments” »

Success Story:

Lori’s Childcare and Preschool, Minnesota

Childcare owner Lori Holtberg has a written policy that limits TV time to a half-hour a day while kids are in her care. The policy also states that children will have at least two hours of physical activity each day, with an hour in the morning and an hour in the afternoon, focused on large muscle development and cardiovascular health. “We were doing a lot of this before, but putting it into a formal policy makes us more accountable,” says Holtberg.

Read more success stories. »