TimeNestScreen time limits by age
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) give the clearest guidance for young children. For older kids, both focus less on an exact number and more on what screens replace: sleep, exercise, homework and time together.
| Age | Suggested daily screen time | What matters most |
|---|---|---|
| Under 2 | Little to none | Video calls with family are fine. Talk, play and read together. |
| 2 to 5 | About 1 hour | Choose good quality shows and watch together when you can. |
| 6 to 9 | A steady daily limit, often 1 to 2 hours of games and video | Sleep, homework and active play come first. |
| 10 to 12 | A clear limit, plus time they can earn | Start teaching them to manage their own time. |
| 13 and up | Agreed together | Rules they helped make, and no screens at bedtime. |
School work on a laptop is different from scrolling videos. Most families count games, video and social apps towards the daily limit, and leave homework, reading and calls outside it.
Signs screen time is too high
- Trouble falling asleep, or tiredness in the morning
- Big meltdowns when it is time to stop
- Homework, reading or outdoor play keep getting skipped
- Less interest in friends and family time
- Sneaking devices at night
None of these mean screens are bad. They usually mean the rules are unclear or change from day to day.
5 family screen time rules that actually stick
1. Make the limit predictable
The same daily time, every day, is easier to accept than limits decided in the moment. Kids argue less with a rule than with a parent.
2. Protect sleep with a bedtime for devices
Screens off at least 30 to 60 minutes before sleep. A device bedtime that starts by itself avoids the nightly "five more minutes".
3. Keep meals screen free
One tap to lock every device at dinner makes this easy to keep.
4. Let them earn extra time
Instead of only saying no, give kids a way to say yes. Reading a chapter, finishing homework or helping at home can earn bonus minutes. This turns screen time into a reward, not a battle.
5. Agree the rules together
Write the rules down with your child. When kids help set them, they are far more likely to follow them.
How TimeNest helps
TimeNest is a free parental control app that puts these rules on autopilot. You set a daily time for games and video per child, a bedtime and school hours. When time runs out, those apps lock until tomorrow. Kids can earn more by reading a book with a quiz, watching a learning video, or sending a photo of a drawing or chore for you to approve.
Set fair screen time limits in 5 minutes
Free for iPhone and iPad. Kids earn extra time by learning, and cannot delete the app.
Download on theApp StoreQuestions parents ask
How much screen time should a 7 year old have?
There is no single number from health bodies for this age. Many families start with 1 to 2 hours of games and video on school days, with more possible at weekends, as long as sleep, homework and active play come first.
Does homework on a tablet count as screen time?
Most families count only games, video and social apps towards the daily limit. With TimeNest you choose exactly which apps are limited, and school apps stay open.
Is it OK to give more screen time at weekends?
Yes, many families do. The key is that the weekend rule is clear in advance, so it is not negotiated every Saturday.
How do I reduce screen time without fights?
Make the limit predictable, protect bedtime, and give your child a way to earn extra minutes through reading or chores. Kids push back less when they feel some control.