Age-specific recommendations for healthy tech use

Technology is an inevitable part of childhood today, but how it affects development varies by age. While digital tools can support learning, excessive screen time can also hinder key developmental milestones, such as emotional regulation, social skills, and problem-solving. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, it’s essential to adapt screen time guidelines to a child’s developmental stage.

Infants & toddlers (0-2 years old)

Developmental focus

  • Sensory exploration

  • Bonding with caregivers

  • Motor skill development

  • Early language acquisition

Technology’s role

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends avoiding screen time for children under 18 months, except for video calls. Babies and toddlers learn best through hands-on play and face-to-face interaction.

Practical example

  • Instead of letting a toddler watch a counting video, count objects together using real items like blocks or fruit.

  • If grandparents want to connect via video chat, engage your child by naming objects on screen (“Grandma is holding a red apple!”) to make it interactive.

Healthy tech habits

  • Use screens for connection, not passive entertainment.

  • Prioritise real-world sensory experiences (touching, smelling, moving).

  • Limit exposure to fast-moving, overstimulating media.

Preschoolers (3-5 years old)

Developmental focus

  • Imaginative play

  • Early problem-solving

  • Social-emotional learning

  • Language and fine motor skills

Technology’s role

At this stage, children benefit from interactive digital learning but need limits to prevent tech from replacing hands-on activities. The AAP recommends no more than one hour per day of high-quality screen time.

Practical example

  • Instead of letting your child play a drawing app, encourage real-life finger painting to develop fine motor skills.

  • If they love watching animal videos, take them outside to look for birds or bugs, reinforcing real-world learning.

Healthy tech habits

  • Choose interactive content over passive viewing.

  • Watch educational content together and discuss it.

  • Encourage tech use for creativity (drawing, storytelling apps) rather than consumption.

Early elementary (6-8 years old)

Developmental focus

  • Expanding problem-solving skills

  • Developing friendships and social rules

  • Learning patience and frustration tolerance

  • Strengthening literacy and numeracy

Technology’s role

At this stage, children begin using tech for learning, but excessive screen time can interfere with social development and outdoor play. Experts recommend 1–2 hours of quality screen time per day.

Practical example

  • If your child loves Minecraft, encourage building with real LEGOs or drawing their own blueprints to bring their ideas into the physical world.

  • Instead of relying on an app for maths drills, use everyday activities like cooking or grocery shopping to reinforce number skills.

Healthy tech habits

  • Set tech-free playtimes to encourage creativity and problem-solving.

  • Use technology as a tool, not a babysitter.

  • Encourage games that require thinking rather than just fast reflexes.

Tweens (9-12 years old)

Developmental focus

  • Developing independence

  • Strengthening critical thinking skills

  • Learning emotional regulation

  • Navigating peer relationships

Technology’s role

Tweens often use screens for gaming, homework, and socialising, but too much screen time can impact sleep, focus, and emotional well-being. We suggest balancing screen time with physical and social activities.

Practical example

  • If your child loves YouTube, have them create their own videos (stop-motion animation, science experiments) instead of just watching.

  • If they play online multiplayer games, encourage in-person social activities like sports, clubs, or team projects.

Healthy tech habits

  • Introduce discussions about online safety and digital footprints.

  • Encourage real-world problem-solving (fixing things, cooking, DIY projects).

  • Set tech-free zones at bedtime to improve sleep quality.

Teenagers (13-18 years old)

Developmental focus

  • Identity formation

  • Emotional resilience

  • Time management and responsibility

  • Building deeper relationships

Technology’s role

Teenagers rely on technology for school, friendships, and entertainment, but excessive social media use can contribute to anxiety, poor self-image, and procrastination. Instead of rigid screen time limits, focus on teaching self-regulation and balance.

Practical example

  • If your teen spends hours scrolling TikTok, encourage them to take a break and try an offline hobby (photography, sports, or music).

  • Teach them to use tech productively by learning skills like coding, video editing, or digital art.

Healthy tech habits

  • Have open conversations about online behaviour (privacy, cyberbullying, misinformation).

  • Encourage screen-free family time to maintain real-world connections.

  • Help teens develop self-monitoring habits so they learn to regulate their own usage.

Creating a family tech plan

Instead of enforcing strict bans, teach children how to use technology mindfully. A great way to do this is by creating a Family Tech Agreement that outlines:

  • Where and when screens can be used (e.g., no phones at the dinner table)

  • What types of content are appropriate for different ages

  • How to balance screen time with outdoor play, reading, and social activities

  • Feel free to use my template and adjust it to your family’s dynamics, children’s ages and routines! You can find it here for free!

Theodora Constantinou