How much screen time children actually get by age, what devices they own, how habits are shifting, and what the AAP and WHO recommend — compiled from recognized health and research authorities, with every figure sourced.
| Age group | Average screen media per day |
|---|---|
| Under 2 years | 1 hr 3 min / day |
| 2–4 years | 2 hr 8 min / day |
| 5–8 years | 3 hr 38 min / day |
| 8–12 years (tweens) | 5 hr 33 min / day |
| 13–18 years (teens) | 8 hr 39 min / day |
Figures reflect measured average media use, not recommended limits. Source: American Academy of Pediatrics, drawing on Common Sense Media census data.
| Age | Recommendation | Body |
|---|---|---|
| Under 18–24 months | Avoid screen media other than video chatting. | AAP |
| Ages 2–5 | Limit to 1 hour per day of high-quality programming, co-viewed with a caregiver. | AAP |
| Ages 6 and older | Place consistent limits so screens don't displace sleep, physical activity and other healthy behaviours. | AAP |
| Under 1 year | Screen time is not recommended at all. | WHO |
| Ages 2–4 | No more than 1 hour of sedentary screen time — less is better. | WHO |
Whispie Research Team. "Children's Screen Time Statistics (2026)." Whispie. https://www.whispieapp.com/screen-time-statistics/ Journalists and educators are welcome to reference or link to these statistics. For the underlying data or an interview, email [email protected]