Screen and Technology Use

Screen and technology use can impact your well-being. It can be hard to find the right balance to protect your mental, physical and emotional health. This is a growing public health concern, among especially in children and youth.

Children and Youth

The early foundation that parents can build now can impact the long-term health and well-being of children. Use the Manage, Monitor, Model and Meaningful framework and additional resources below to help guide your decisions involving screen and technology use.

It is important for parents to set clear and consistent screen limits for children. This will allow for more time to play, explore, and connect offline.

Daily Screen Time Limit Recommendations (by age)

Below are the recommended daily screen time limits for children. This includes recreational screen use such as playing games or watching shows. Not included is screen use required to complete schoolwork or connecting virtually with caring adults through video chatting.

Under 2 years old: not recommended, unless video chatting with caring adults.
2 to 5 years old: 1 hour or less.
5 to 17 years old: 2 hours or less.

Here's what parents can do:

Create a family media plan. This could include identifying screen-free times and zones in the home.
Research readiness for smartphones and social media. Unplugged Canada encourages parents to delay smartphones for children until at least 14 years old.
Set up parental controls on all devices and apps. This could include limiting access, setting ‘Do Not Disturb’ periods and creating automatic time limits.
Ensure your child understands your school's technology use policy.

Developing safe and healthy technology habits starts with learning how children use screens. Frequently checking devices and maintaining open communication with your child can help.

Here's what parents can do:

Openly discuss online interests and concerns with your child.
Watch for signs that technology use may be causing problems with your child. This could include:
- bored and unhappy while using technology.
- upset with limits or parental controls.
- trouble sleeping or tired all the time.
- impacting offline play, physical activities, and socializing.
Know when to intervene and be prepared to have tough conversations with your child.

Children notice how adults use screens. It is important to model screen use in moderation and prioritize face-to-face interactions.

Here's what parents can do:

Review your own technology use. Consider if your technology use is impacting your attention, responsiveness or interactions with others. What changes can you make to be a positive role model?
Practice online safety. Use strong passwords and be aware of scams and false information.
Be intentional and consider those about you. Turn your devices off or set to “Do Not Disturb” during family time, and while sleeping and driving. Let your child know what you are doing if your attention needs to be on your device.

Life is busy. Between work and school it can feel like time just disappears. It is important to use the free time we have in a meaningful way — especially when it involves screens.

Here's what parents can do:

Choose educational websites and apps. Some programs and games can offer educational benefits when used in moderation. Use screens together. Make screen time an activity you do with your child. Whether it is playing a video game or researching a topic.
Start regular, open conversations with your child. It is important your child knows that they can come to you about their experiences online.
Prioritize screen-free activities and connection. Encourage your child to explore outside, meet friends in person, play board games, read a book, or try a new hobby or sport.