Screen time guidelines for babies and toddlers, country by country
Most health authorities now agree on the same basic message: none or almost none before two, a little and shared from two to five.
This book asks for more than most guidelines: no screens before six, as far as you can manage it, with video calls to family the exception. That is a precaution, not a guideline. The book explains why, and each country’s own advice is below.
World Health Organization (2019): no screen time under two; no more than an hour a day for ages two to four, less is better.
United Kingdom (March 2026): under two, only shared screen time that encourages bonding and conversation; two to five, no more than an hour a day; none at meals or the hour before bed.
United States: the Surgeon General’s 2026 advisory suggests none under 18 months, less than an hour a day under six and two hours a day from six to 18. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ 2016 guidance advised none under 18 months except video calls. Its 2026 statement moves the emphasis away from daily time limits and focuses on what screens crowd out.
China (2025): no screen exposure under three.
Spain (2026): thirteen medical societies recommend no screens under six.
Germany: none under three; up to 30 minutes a day from three to six.
Sweden (2024): none under two; up to an hour a day from two to five.
Canada, Australia, New Zealand: none under two; up to an hour a day from two to four or five.
Singapore (2025): none under 18 months except video calls; under an hour a day up to six.
The book’s appendix C covers more than forty countries and territories, including school phone rules, with a source for each.
Guidance changes. Check your own country’s health authority for the latest advice.
Written with AI assistance and checked against the cited sources.
The full plan, the evidence and the letters you can copy are in the book.