TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – New screen time guidelines for children from the American Academy of Pediatrics aim for healthy digital habits rather than parents having to take the device away.
Director of FSU Children’s Learning Clinic Dr. Leah Singh said previous guidelines were more restrictive and experts don’t believe the strategy is as effective when it comes to screen time for kids.
In the updated American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, experts offer warnings about what children are consuming online.
Dr. Singh said it’s up to parents to determine what’s best for their child in terms of screen time, but the new guidelines offer more flexibility.
“Really, the focus is shift away from restrictive screen time limits and more so toward focusing on quality of screen time as well as the purpose of screen time,” Dr. Singh said.
Singh offered suggestions of specific digital viewing suitable for children.
Examples include, PBS Kids, which offers research-based programming that supports early literacy, math and social-emotional development. Sesame Street was also suggested.
For older children, Singh suggested platforms like Khan Academy Kids and National Geographic Kids which provide interactive, educational content.
“Lets think of this holistically and as like a child is embedded in this system and so we have to think about the child and their individual characteristics, strengths as well as vulnerabilities that you know every kiddo will have a different reaction to experiencing media, so thinking about it at that level, thinking about it at the parent, caregiving level,” she said.
While experts say you don’t have to completely eliminate screen time, Dr, Singh said it’s important for parents to engage in other activities with children, like hands on play time, reading and interactive learning games.
Singh said parents can also do their own research on some of the most beneficial and educational kind of content to allow kids to consume.
“Screen time isn’t bad we just need to use it thoughtfully and intentionally and so really when it’s getting in the way is when it’s getting in the way of important activities,” she said.
Those who want additional guidance, trusted resources like Common Sense Media and the AAP Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health offer reviews and recommendations. The AAP also offers a family media plan that can help parents and children work together to set healthy digital boundaries.
To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Nextdoor and X (Twitter).
Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here. Please include the article’s headline in your message.
Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here to get started.
Copyright 2026 WCTV. All rights reserved.