Phones, tablets, and television are now a part of life; however, in young children excessive screen time can negatively affect language development, sleep, attention, and social skills. The goal is not to ban screens entirely, but to establish age-appropriate, balanced, and co-viewed use.

Age-by-Age Recommendations

  • 0-18 months: No screens are recommended, apart from video chatting.
  • 18-24 months: Only high-quality content, with a parent present, and for short periods.
  • 2-5 years: Educational, co-viewed content that does not exceed 1 hour per day.
  • School age: Clear limits; protecting sleep, homework, physical activity, and face-to-face relationships.

The Effects of Screens

  • Language and social development: At a young age, excessive screen time can delay development by taking the place of reciprocal conversation and play. Related: month-by-month development in babies.
  • Sleep: Screens before bedtime make it harder to fall asleep. Related: sleep routines in children.
  • Attention and behavior: Fast-paced stimuli can negatively affect attention span and self-control.

For Healthy Limits

  • Set screen-free zones/times (the dining table, the bedroom, before sleep).
  • Watch together and talk about the content.
  • Avoid using screens as a reward/punishment tool.
  • Offer alternatives: books, outdoor play, shared activities.
  • Set an example; children imitate their parents' screen habits.

When Should You Be Concerned?

If there is excessive anger when the screen is turned off, loss of interest in other activities, disrupted sleep and eating patterns, and social withdrawal, support should be sought. These signs may sometimes appear alongside temper tantrums or attention problems.

In Şahinbey, Gaziantep, you can benefit from our developmental assessment service to evaluate your child's development and behavior.

📅 Book an appointment for a developmental assessment

This content is for informational purposes only; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment. — Uzm. Dr. Hasan Keleş