Screens & Digital Media Use: What Parents Need to Know

‘Screen time’ refers to time spent with any screen, including smart phones, tablets, television, video games, white board, computers or wearable technology.

‘Digital media’ refers to content transmitted over the Internet or computer networks on all devices, unless particular ones are specified.

Digital media and screens play a major role in the lives of today’s children and youth. The rapid increase in screen time, driven by technological advancements and our increasingly digital society, has become a growing public health concern due to its various impacts on health.

Three principles: Manage, meaningful, model

Parents and caregivers can help children and youth by learning, role modeling and teaching the three principles of manage, meaningful and model use of screens.

While there are some benefits to screens and social media, too much use can have negative effects on mental health and well-being including:  

increased feelings of anxiety and depression,
decreased attention span and social connectedness, 
lower self-reported happiness and self-esteem, and  
sleep difficulties.

When children and youth are on devices, it can interfere with learning, spending time with family and friends, playing, and being outdoors. 

Screen-free activities

Outdoor fun (play in the yard, go on a scavenger hunt, bike ride, or a walk)
Get creative (crafts, painting, colouring, building with blocks, wood or found objects)
Read a book, do a puzzle together
Practice printing, cursive, or journal
Age-appropriate tasks around the house e.g., cook together
Experience boredom (provides opportunity for creativity)
Play board and card games
Go to a local park, museum, or the library
Play sports with friends, family or with a community group or sports organization
Learn to play a musical instrument

The Canadian Paediatric Society offers more advice and tips to parents of school-aged children and teens around  social media.

Screen time recommendations

The Screen Time Recommendations:

Under 2 years: Screen time is not recommended.
Ages 2 to 5: limit recreational screen time to less than one hour a day.
Ages 5 to 18: limit recreational screen time to less than two hours a day.
Additionally, the Canadian Paediatric Society emphasizes the importance of prioritizing educational and interactive content over passive screen time; quality over quantity.

Resources for parents

Screen use and Digital media | Canadian Paediatric Society tips and recommendations
Healthy Screen Use | Centre for Healthy Screen Use guidance for parents
Helping Your Child Manage Digital Technology | School Mental Health Ontario
Resources for Parents | Media Smarts
Handout for parents of children 5 and under: Screens and the Early Years
Teens and Screens | Canadian Psychology Association recommendations for families
Conversation Starters for Families About Media | American Academy of Pediatrics for parents and caregivers of teens and tweens
Exploring Today’s Questions | Children and Screens: Institute for Digital Media and Child Development

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