Screens have become increasingly a part of children's lives and can be helpful and enjoyable for families. 

They can offer time for children to connect with friends and extended family, be creative and learn. 

• Screen time has a direct impact on your child's physical activity levels.
• Generally, children who spend more time on screens tend to be less physically active.
• To maximise physical activity, the less screen time the better. 

The national guidelines for screen time are a part of the overall 24-hour movement guidelines. These guidelines provide recommendations on physical activity, sleep and screen time for children and young people.

Screens are often used for homework, education at school, communication, leisure and entertainment. As screens can be used for a range of different purposes, it can be difficult to categorise and manage screen time.

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. It can impact children's:

• physical health
• mental wellbeing
• ability to form social connections
• sleep