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How much screen time is ok for a toddler?

For children under 2, screen time is not recommended (except video-chatting with family). For ages 2 to 5, Canadian and international guidelines suggest limiting routine screen use to about 1 hour a day or less.

Quality matters as much as quantity: co-viewing, choosing educational content, and avoiding screens at bedtime are all part of the guidance.

Strength of evidence

Strong

Based on consistent national and international clinical practice guidelines (CPS, WHO, AAP) developed from expert consensus and literature reviews, though the underlying evidence on child outcomes is mostly observational rather than randomized trials.

What the evidence says

The Canadian Paediatric Society advises that for children under 2 years old, screen use is not recommended because they do not learn from it, with the exception of video chatting with caring adults like grandparents. For children 2 to 5 years old, the advice is to limit routine or sedentary screen use to about an hour or less per day.

The World Health Organization gives very similar guidance for children under 5: for those aged 2, sedentary screen time should be no more than 1 hour, with less being better, and screen time should not replace active play or sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics has a slightly more flexible take for the 18-24 month range, saying that if parents do want to introduce digital media at that age, they should choose high-quality programming and watch it together with their child, because that's how toddlers learn best.

Across all these sources, a few themes repeat: toddlers learn best through real, face-to-face interaction with caregivers rather than from screens; when screens are used, watching together and choosing educational, age-appropriate content matters; and screens are best avoided during meals, right before bedtime, and as a way to routinely calm a child.

If your toddler is getting more screen time than these guidelines suggest, it's not cause for panic, small, gradual changes and involving your child's doctor if you have concerns can help build healthier habits over time.

Sources

✓Reviewed by CH, MD, FRCPC

Reviewed by a specialist physician certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, who has read this answer against the sources listed above and confirmed it reflects them. That is not medical advice about your child. How we review

Answer checked July 31, 2026

Educational information only. Not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and no doctor-patient relationship is created by using this. Founded Parent has not examined your child and does not know their history, so this may not apply to you. In an emergency, call your local emergency number. What Founded Parent cannot do

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