How much screen time should children have? That is the big question. You might have significant problems at home evaluating how much screen time children should have? And what can you do with the children instead? We understand it can be a struggle to get them away from tablets, smartphones, and the TV. You are not alone. Screen time for children is a topic that worries many parents—and for good reason.
It can feel impossible to compete with colorful games, quick videos, and ever-available entertainment, but fortunately, there are solutions. In this blog post, we delve into how much screen time children should actually have and how you can manage your child's screen usage without daily conflicts. You will also get concrete suggestions for what you can do with the children instead.
Screen time children: Get inspiration on how you can help your child create a good balance between screen time, play, learning, and presence!
- The image shows the Farmhouse, from our farm universe
Screen time children: What is the recommended screen time for children?
Since we cannot ignore that we live in a digital age where screens are taking up more and more space, it is almost unavoidable to keep children completely away from it. It is therefore important that you consider how much screen time children should actually have. You might have both tablets, smartphones, and TV at home that offer both entertainment and learning, but where do you draw the line between healthy screen use and too much time in front of the screen? We have found some expert advice for you to consider.
According to the Health Authority, small children under two years should not have screen time without an adult by their side. For children aged 2-4 years, a maximum of one hour of screen time per day is recommended, while children and young people up to 17 years should stick to 1-2 hours daily in their free time.
But it's not just about time—the quality of screen usage is just as important. Børns Vilkår emphasizes that “If the child is on the screen, we recommend that you prioritize screen usage where the child is active or creative higher than screen usage where the child is a passive consumer.” This means that activities like digital drawing, making stop-motion films, or programming are far more valuable than just watching videos.
A good rule of thumb, according to Børns Vilkår, is that children should not exceed five hours of screen time per week, preferably less, and no more than 45 minutes per day. However, there can be exceptions, for example, if the child watches an age-appropriate film with an adult.
By focusing on both the amount and quality of screen time, you can help your child develop healthy screen habits and a good balance between digital time and play, movement, and presence.
Links to articles about how much screen time children should have:
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Screen time children: How do I manage it?
As a parent, it is important that you take an active responsibility for managing your child's screen time, but that doesn't mean you necessarily have to remove screens completely. It's about finding a good balance and offering your child alternatives that engage them in a creative and active way.
A good way to manage screen time is to create exciting activities that capture your child's attention - without a screen. For example, you can suggest creative games where your child can use their hands and imagination. You can make homemade projects, such as painting, building with blocks, or making jewelry together. If your child wants to spend their time on something constructive, creative toys can be a fantastic solution. Toys that encourage both learning and play, such as puzzles, building blocks, or DIY sets, are a perfect way to engage the child.
By offering alternatives to the screen and making these activities a fun and educational part of everyday life, you can make it easier for your child to choose something other than just sitting in front of a screen.
Less screen time children - activities that engage and teach without the screen
Controlling how much screen time children have does not mean that your child should be bored. At Crateit, you will find creative products that both engage and teach your child while keeping them away from screens. These creative toys are perfect alternatives to screen time for children, as they both promote learning and play while giving your child a fun and developmental break from screens. See some of the most popular products from Crateit below.
Dinosaur Wooden Toy | Rover's Adventure - 299.00 DKK
Go on an adventure with Rover in nature and camp in a tent. Explore nature's treasures and make the trip even more enjoyable with the stylish SUV. Create unforgettable memories together with Rover.
The Farm Wooden Toy | The Farmhouse - 399.00 DKK
Discover creative play with Crateit The Farmhouse, part of the Farmlife series. This wooden toy allows children to design, color, and furnish their own farmhouse while exploring country life and developing their imagination.
Crateit | Unicorn Wooden Toys | Magical Forest
In the Magical Forest, the unicorn Juni lives with her 3 best friends. They fly among enchanting trees and love wild strawberries, which they use for magical elixirs. Color and discover the friends' secret home.
