Health of the Nation: How much screen time is too much for kids?

Aussie toddlers are spending longer than they should on electronic devices, which is impeding their development. See tips on how to get your kids more active.

Aussie toddlers are spending way more than the recommended amount of time on electronic devices and are missing out on vital play and movement in the real world.

Only one in four toddlers spend less than an hour a day on screens according to University of South Australia study published in the Journal Physical Activity and Health.

So, how much exercise do our kids need from birth?

Between the ages of one and two, toddlers need to do up to three hours of activity over the day including running, dancing and skipping and by the time they are five this should include at least an hour of vigorous activity such as running and developing skills like catching and kicking a ball.

Aussie toddlers are spending way more than the recommended amount of time on electronic devices. Picture: iStock

HOW BAD IS SCREEN TIME FOR YOUR KIDS?

Too much screen time can impede a child’s development with some studies finding it could impede fine motor and communication skills and others concluded it could have a negative effect on executive functioning abilities needed to perform academically.

However, a new study has found good quality screen time can improve language and numeracy abilities and be positive for a child if it takes place with an engaged parent and involved educational programs.

The same study found social media time was bad for a child’s mental health and video game playing was associated with poor body composition and learning.

WHAT IS A SAFE SCREEN TIME AMOUNT?

Most Australian children spend more time on screens than is recommended. Estimates from primary research suggest only 17–23 per cent of preschoolers meet screen-time guidelines.

Guidelines recommend:

• No screen time for children younger than two years

• No more than one hour per day for children aged 2–5 years

Source: aifs.gov.au

PHYSICAL MILESTONES

Only one in four toddlers spend less than an hour a day on screens according to University of South Australia study published in the Journal Physical Activity and Health. So, how much exercise do our kids need from birth?

Babies should be encouraged to stretch and reach for objects and have supervised interactive floor-based play. Picture: iStock

Birth to 12 months: Need up to 30 minutes tummy time over the day. Should be encouraged to stretch and reach for objects and have supervised interactive floor-based play.
Crawling, pulling themselves up to a standing position, walking (in some cases).

Toddlers (1-2 years): Need up to three hours of activity across the day including running, dancing, jumping and skipping.

Kids (3-5 years): Three hours of activity including at least an hour of vigorous activity such as running and developing skills like catching and kicking a ball. They should be able to dress themselves, hop, skip and jump, climb steps and playground equipment, hold a pencil and cut paper with scissors.

Source: Startingblocks.gov.au