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As useful as devices (like cell phones, internet, iPads, and TV) are for adults, young children need screen free zones.

Ideally, with “screen free zones:”

1. Children from birth to age 2 years have zero exposure to screens.
2. The TV is not on when young children are in the room.
3. Other devices are turned off when young children are around.
4. Children ages 2 through 3 have less than 1 hour of screen time per day.

It may seem extreme, but here’s why young children really need screen free zones:

1. Rapid brain growth
   • From birth to 2 years, an infant’s brain triples in size. Children’s brains grow and develop until at least 21 years of age.
   • The environment makes a big difference in brain development. Too much stimulation, or not enough of the right kinds of stimulation, can hurt a child’s brain. Screen time (cell phones, internet, iPads, TV, and more) causes over-stimulation.
   • Children learn through play and interaction with other people, especially caring adults. Screen time takes away time from both of these.
2. Delayed development
   • When children move around, they have better attention and ability to learn. When children are looking at screens, they aren’t moving around much. This can delay a child’s development.
3. Sleep deprivation
   • Screen time at bedtime can make it hard for children to fall asleep and can lead to sleep deprivation. You’ll do them a huge favor if you do not allow TVs or other screens in their bedrooms.
4. Behavioral health issues
   • Too much screen time can lead to many concerns: child depression, anxiety, attachment disorder, attention deficit, tantrums, and other issues. Also, children who watch violent media are more likely to become aggressive or have aggressive behaviors.