Children who spend more time on screens tend to be less physically active across the day.

To maximise physical activity, less screen time is better. 

The Australian 24-hour movement guidelines include recommendations on physical activity, sleep and screen time for children and young people.

Screen time guidelines by age

• children younger than 2 years: no sedentary screen time
• children aged 2–5 years: no more than one hour per day; less is better
• children and young people aged 5–17 years: no more than 2 hours of sedentary recreational screen time per day. This does not include required schoolwork. Less is better.

Screen time habits of children and young adults

Recent studies suggest that up to 83% of preschoolers and 85% of primary school-aged children exceed the recommended screen time limits. 

With the growth of technology, social media, and the COVID-19 pandemic, these numbers are likely higher. 

Boys are more likely to spend screen time on games and TV, whereas girls are more likely to use computers, social networking sites or apps.