child-time

How much screen time is OK for kids?

Updated:

There's no single “right” number for every child. But doctors do give clear guidelines — and there are ways to make a limit hold without arguing every evening.

🎬 Video: child-time in 30 seconds

A quick tour: set a limit from your phone, kids earn minutes with tasks, warnings before time runs out and the time's-up screen.

What doctors say

  • Under 2 — the World Health Organization (2019 guidelines) recommends no screen time, except video calls with family.
  • Ages 2–4 — no more than one hour of sedentary screen time a day, and less is better (WHO).
  • School-age kids — the American Academy of Pediatrics doesn't set one number. It recommends a consistent family plan so screens don't crowd out sleep, homework, exercise and time with people.

These are general guidelines, not medical advice. If you're worried about your child's health or behavior, talk to your pediatrician.

How to choose a limit for your family

  1. Watch for a week first. See how much time your child actually spends on the computer and on what. The number often surprises parents.
  2. Separate homework from fun. An hour on a school project and an hour of gaming aren't the same — agree on what counts.
  3. Protect sleep. The single most useful rule: the computer “rests” an hour before bedtime.
  4. Weekdays and weekends differ. A bigger weekend limit is fine — as long as it's agreed in advance.
  5. Offer a way to earn time. When extra minutes come from sports, reading or chores, the limit feels like a deal, not a punishment.

Make the rule enforce itself

Arguing every evening wears out parents and kids alike. It's easier when software keeps the time and the child can see how much is left. With child-time:

  • the child sees an honest timer on screen, with pop-up warnings at 15, 5 and 1 minute left;
  • when time is up, the screen locks with a clear message;
  • bedtime hours keep the computer unavailable at night;
  • you see which apps were used and for how long, and change limits from your phone;
  • the child can complete a task or ask for more time in chat — you decide.

Free during the beta, for Windows 10 and 11.

Related guides: Setting up your child's first computer · How to check screen time on a Windows PC · Family screen time agreement — printable template · Screen time rules for kids — printable poster · Screen time rules for winter break

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