How Long Much Screen Time Should a 7-Year-Old Have?
“How long should my 7 year old get screen time”
The American Psychological Association (APA) calls for children under 2 to have no screen time, except for video chatting. For children 2 to 5 the APA recommends one hour a day of high-quality content. From the age of 6 onwards, the recommendation is just to “establish consistent limits on the time spent using media and the types of media”. So, as you see there are no clear, official guidelines to answer your question.
How much screen time you give your 7-year-old is up to you and your values. I would say that ideally, you want your child to get a balance. He should have time to spend with friends and family, do sports and schoolwork, get enough sleep, and have some screen time. If he stops doing any of these things because he is having too much screen time, you need to guide to find the balance again. Screens should not get on the way of children sleeping, playing, doing exercise or seeing people in real life.
Also, consider what he does with his screen time. It is not the same if he is chatting with friends than if he is playing a very violent video game on his own. What he does while on the screen matters as much, or even more, than how much screen time he has.
Set up clear rules around screen time:
- When is he allowed to have screen time?
- For how long?
- What games can he play?
- Who can he play with?
- What are the consequences if he breaks the rules?
You may also find these articles useful:
Will Letting my Son Play Roblox Ruin Our Relationship?
Children, Mental Health, and Screens
Could You Recommend Effective Consequences for 8-Year-Olds?
I hope this helps. I wish you and your family all the very best.
Love,
Ana
