Questions about screen time for children are among the most debated topics among parents, educators, and health experts today. Is screen time harmful? Can apps be beneficial for children's development? The answer is not black and white. Research shows a nuanced picture where quality, context, and quantity all play decisive roles. In this article, we provide a thorough review of what research actually says.
There is an enormous number of studies on children and screen time, and the results are often more nuanced than headlines suggest. Here are the most important findings from leading health organizations and research institutions:
WHO's 2019 guidelines focus on physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep for children under 5 years. They recommend:
It is important to note that WHO primarily focuses on preventing screen time from displacing physical activity and sleep, rather than screen time being directly harmful in itself.
AAP takes a more nuanced approach and distinguishes between types of screen time:
Research from the Nordic countries, including studies from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health and Swedish and Danish universities, provides an important perspective. Nordic studies have often found that:
Not all screen time is equal. Research shows that the right type of screen use can have clear benefits for children:
Studies have shown that well-designed, interactive educational apps can improve specific skills in children. Research published in journals such as the Journal of Children and Media and Pediatrics shows that:
Learn more about what makes an app truly educational in our article What is an educational app?
Apps that allow children to draw, create music, program simple games, or tell stories provide opportunities for creative expression that are not always available in other ways. Digital tools can supplement traditional creative activities and give children new ways to explore their creativity.
Video calls with grandparents and family, collaborative games with friends, and sharing creative projects – technology can strengthen social bonds when used thoughtfully. During the pandemic, it became especially clear that digital communication is an important part of children's social lives.
For children with special needs, technology can be an invaluable tool. Apps can offer adapted learning support, communication tools for children who have difficulties with speech, and opportunities for learning at their own pace.
While screen time is not inherently harmful, research has identified several risks associated with excessive or uncritical screen use:
One of the best-documented risks is the impact on sleep. Blue light from screens inhibits the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. Stimulating content before bedtime can make it harder to wind down. Research shows that children who use screens close to bedtime:
When screen time replaces physical activity, it can contribute to obesity and related health problems. Children need at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily, according to WHO. Screen time that displaces outdoor play, sports, and physical activity is problematic regardless of the content.
Some studies suggest that excessive screen use, especially with rapidly changing content, can affect children's attention span. However, it is important to distinguish between different types of content – slow, interactive, educational content appears to have entirely different effects than fast, passive entertainment content.
For the youngest children (under 2-3 years), research shows that passive screen time can delay language development because it displaces face-to-face communication. Children learn language primarily through interaction with caregivers, not through screens. Interactive video calls are the exception, as they preserve social interaction.
Perhaps the most important message from modern research is that what the child does on the screen is far more important than how long. 20 minutes with an interactive, educational app that challenges the child to think and create is far more valuable than 2 hours of passive video watching.
Researchers have begun to talk about a "digital diet" – just as we distinguish between healthy and unhealthy food, we should distinguish between nourishing and "empty" screen time. A good digital diet for children includes:
Research clearly distinguishes between active and passive screen time, and this difference is crucial:
| Active screen time | Passive screen time |
|---|---|
| Child interacts, chooses, and creates | Child watches without participating |
| Educational apps, creative tools | Autoplay videos, endless scrolling |
| Stimulates cognitive skills | Minimal cognitive stimulation |
| Natural stopping points | Designed to hold attention |
| Can improve specific skills | Minimal learning effect |
| Child has control | Algorithm-driven content |
For more on safe screen use in general, see our article on screen time for children – a guide for parents.
Children's needs and vulnerabilities vary significantly with age. Here are detailed guidelines for different age groups:
For the very youngest, face-to-face interaction, physical exploration, and sensory experiences are the most important. Research shows that infants and toddlers learn language and social skills primarily through direct contact with caregivers.
At this age, children begin to benefit from well-designed, interactive apps. Research shows that children from age 3 and up can learn from quality educational apps, especially when an adult is present.
Learn more about finding the right apps for different ages in our article Choose the right app for your child's age.
Older children use digital tools for school, creativity, and social contact. The focus should be on building healthy digital habits rather than strict time limits alone.
It is important to be aware of signals that suggest screen use has become problematic. Here are the warning signs parents should know:
If you recognize several of these signs, it does not mean your child is "addicted" – but it can be a signal that you need to adjust digital habits. Start by setting clearer boundaries and having an open conversation with the child about screen use.
Research shows that the family's approach to technology is more important than strict rules alone. Here are research-based tips for building healthy digital habits:
One of the strongest findings in research is that shared screen use with parents significantly increases learning outcomes. When parents watch or use apps together with children, several important things happen:
Screen time is not automatically harmful. Research shows that the quality of screen time is far more important than the quantity. Interactive, educational apps can improve specific skills, while excessive passive screen use can negatively affect sleep, physical activity, and attention. The key is balance, quality content, and age-based limits.
WHO recommends no screen time for children under 2 years. For children between 2 and 5 years, both WHO and AAP recommend a maximum of 1 hour daily with quality content. For children over 6 years, there is no fixed time limit, but experts recommend consistent boundaries that balance screen time with sleep, physical activity, and social interaction.
Yes, research shows that interactive, educational apps are more valuable for children's development than passive video watching. Educational apps require active participation and can improve skills such as letter recognition, number understanding, and vocabulary. Passive video provides minimal cognitive stimulation. The best approach is a combination of active app use together with parents.
Yes, research clearly shows that screen time can negatively affect children's sleep, especially close to bedtime. Blue light inhibits melatonin production, and stimulating content makes it harder to wind down. Experts recommend avoiding screen use at least 1 hour before bedtime and keeping the bedroom screen-free.
Common signs include: strong reactions when the screen is taken away, loss of interest in other activities, sleep problems, increased irritability, one-sided focus on apps or games, preferring screens over friends, and secrecy about screen use. If you see several of these signs, it is time to adjust digital habits.
Research gives us a clear message: Screen time is not inherently harmful, but quality, context, and quantity matter enormously. Here are the key takeaways:
The best approach is not to be afraid of technology, but to be mindful. Choose quality apps, be present, and ensure that screen time is part of a balanced everyday life with play, learning, physical activity, and social interaction.
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