Screens are part of daily life. From school assignments to staying connected with family and friends, children and teens are growing up in a digital world. “Screentime is unavoidable but should be purposeful,” says Lisa Ryan, MD, PhD, a WashU Medicine pediatrician at Woods Mill Pediatrics.
The goal is not elimination. It is helping families use screens in a purposeful and healthy way. Dr. Ryan works with families every day to create practical, age-appropriate plans that support healthy development while recognizing the realities of modern life.
Screentime Recommendations for Ages 0 to 5
In early childhood, brain development is rapid. How children use screens matters.
Dr. Ryan recommends:
- Under 18 months: Limit screen use to interactive, synchronous activities like video calling grandparents
- 18 to 24 months: Educational programming watched together with a caregiver
- Ages 2 to 5: Limit noneducational programming to less than two hours per day
Watching together allows parents to reinforce learning, ask questions and help children connect what they see on a screen to the real world. It also helps protect children from accidentally seeing content that would be too mature or scary for them.
Screentime Recommendations for Ages 6 to 13
As children enter elementary and middle school, digital independence increases. Dr. Ryan encourages families to focus on structure and communication.
Key strategies include:
- Limit overall screen time
- Delay phones when possible: The current average age for a first phone is about 10 years old, but waiting until age 13 or later is ideal.
- Delay social media accounts
- Use parental controls
- Talk openly about online risks
- Consider a written contract outlining expectations
Dr. Ryan says that talking with other parents and agreeing to delay introducing phones together can be very helpful. It reduces social pressure on children and families.
Screentime Recommendations for Teens
Adolescence is a time to gradually prepare for adulthood. Restrictions may loosen, but guidance remains important.
Dr. Ryan recommends:
- Encouraging mindful screentime and thoughtful app use
- Scheduling frequent check-ins about online experiences
- Maintaining family rules, such as no screens at the dinner table or in bedrooms
Teens benefit from consistent expectations and open conversations rather than sudden independence.
Recognizing Signs of Screentime Addiction
While not every child who enjoys screens has a problem, certain behaviors may signal concern.
Parents should watch for:
- Interference with school or daily responsibilities
- Cravings to constantly check social media
- Lying to gain more screen time
- Choosing virtual interactions over in-person relationships
- Sleep disruption
- Reduced physical activity
- Continued use despite recognizing the need to stop
If families notice these patterns, a pediatrician can help assess next steps and create a plan.
Understanding Social Media Risks
Research shows that social media use is associated with higher rates of anxiety and depression, particularly in teenage girls.
Dr. Ryan advises:
- Avoiding social media until at least age 13, and ideally closer to 16
- Setting accounts to private
- Allowing only followers known in real life
- Disabling location settings
- Reminding children to post only what they would be comfortable sharing with a grandparent, college recruiter or future employer
“Anything posted or texted should be considered permanent,” Dr. Ryan says.
Partnering with Families
Healthy screen use is not about perfection. It is about balance, communication and building habits that support physical and emotional well-being.
Dr. Ryan partners with families to develop practical, age-appropriate plans that reflect each child’s needs and daily routines. She understands that every family is different and works closely with parents to set realistic goals.
If you have questions about your child’s screen use — including sleep concerns, behavior changes or difficulty setting limits — talk with your pediatrician or schedule an appointment with Dr. Ryan at Woods Mill Pediatrics by calling 314-453-9666.