Phones, tablets and TVs are part of everyday life, and most parents wonder how much is too much. The good news is that Australia has clear screen time guidelines for young children, and they are more about balance than perfection. Here is what they say and some realistic ways to put them into practice.
What the Australian screen time guidelines for young children say
The Australian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years (Birth to 5 years) look at a child’s whole day: physical activity, sitting, screen time and sleep. On sedentary screen time, such as watching TV or playing games on a device, they recommend:
- Under 2 years: screen time is not recommended.
- 2 to 5 years: no more than 1 hour a day, and less is better.
- All ages: children should not be kept still, for example in a pram, car seat or high chair, for more than 1 hour at a time.
The guidelines also note that when children are sitting, activities like reading, storytelling, singing and puzzles with a carer are encouraged.
Why the guidelines recommend limits
In the early years, children learn best through hands-on play and real conversations with the people who love them. Time on screens can take the place of those experiences, as well as active play and sleep. The guidelines are designed to protect time for the things young children need most, rather than to make screens the enemy.
Video calls with grandparents or family overseas are a little different, because they involve real back-and-forth conversation. Watching together and talking about what you see also helps children get more out of any screen time.
It also helps to think about what screens are replacing. An episode while you cook dinner is very different from hours of background TV across the day. Looking at the overall pattern, rather than a single moment, makes the guidelines feel much more manageable for real family life.
Practical tips for busy families
Most families do not get it right every day, and that is okay. Sick days, long car trips and busy weeks happen. What matters most is the usual pattern over time. Small, consistent habits help:
- Keep mealtimes and the hour before bed screen free.
- Keep devices out of bedrooms and switch off background TV when no one is watching.
- Choose slower, age-appropriate shows and watch together when you can.
- Use a timer or a set number of episodes so the end is predictable.
- Have a basket of screen-free options ready, such as books, playdough, blocks or a bucket of outdoor toys.
- Notice your own screen use. Children copy the adults around them.
Balancing the whole day
The guidelines work best when you look at the full picture. Alongside limiting screens, they recommend plenty of active play every day, including at least 180 minutes of physical activity for toddlers and preschoolers, and good quality sleep. When children have lots of chances to move, explore and play outdoors, screens naturally take up less of their day.
For more detail, you can read the guidelines on the Australian Government Department of Health website, or find practical advice on the Raising Children Network. Your Maternal and Child Health nurse is also a great person to ask.
Learning through play at Nest
At Nest, children spend their days learning through hands-on play, outdoor exploration, music, stories and conversations with educators and friends. Our Reggio Emilia-inspired approach follows children’s interests and gives them real materials to explore, so curiosity grows naturally. Families stay connected through our parent app, with daily updates on what their child has been doing.
If you would like to see how play-based learning looks in each room at our Keysborough centre, we would love to show you around. Book a tour or chat with our team on 03 9969 7057.
