If your child is two years or older, it is important to consider the purpose of screens and whether they are replacing a learning experience, social interaction or a physical object or resource that could help your child develop. 

Similarly, young children always learn most from interactive, face-to-face, two-way conversations. However, video chatting (using Skype or FaceTime) may be of benefit for children to keep in touch with distant friends and family.

While screen time has many benefits, excessive time spent in front of a screen can impact many aspects of a child’s growth and development, including: 

• physical health
• mental well-being
• ability to form social connections
• disrupted sleep patterns. 

See Screen time for more information, including tips to help reduce your child’s screen time.