At what age can a child use a cell phone? How much time is recommended for children to spend in front of screens? These are recurring questions among parents and educators today, especially since the current generation of children has grown up surrounded by electronic devices. Unlike previous generations, access to mobile phones and tablets is almost immediate, and digital parenting is one of the greatest challenges families face.
There is no universal formula valid for all families, but there are guidelines endorsed by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and child development specialists that help establish Healthy limits according to the evolutionary stage of each child or adolescent.
In this article, you will find a very detailed and up-to-date guide to setting up the Appropriate mobile and screen time for children, accompanied by an explanation of risks, practical recommendations, common errors, and tips for conscious and safe use at home.
General guidelines on mobile and screen time by age
Recommendations for the use of electronic devices vary according to age. Below are the experts' main guidelines and the reasons for each interval, always keeping in mind that The type of content, adult supervision and time of day are equally important.:
- Babies and children under 2 years old: No type of exposure to screens is recommended. (mobile phones, tablets, television, consoles, etc.), with the sole exception of video calls for family contact.
- From 2 to 4 years: Recommended maximum 30 minutes a day Screen use should be limited, and always under adult supervision. Increase the maximum daily limit to 1 hour with educational content and support only.
- From 5 to 6 years: Exposure can be increased to up to 1 hour daily, preferably in several time blocks, prioritizing interactive games and learning.
- From 7 to 12 years: It's recommended not exceed one and a half hours per day among all screens (mobile, computer, television, video game consoles), avoiding consumption during meals and before sleeping.
- From 13 to 16 years: The recommended limit is up to 2 hours daily for recreational useAt this stage, the importance of monitoring access to social networks, video games, and content quality is highlighted.
- Over 16 years: Leisure device use can last up to two or three hours, as long as it doesn't interfere with sleep, in-person socializing, physical activity, or schoolwork.
Reasons to set limits on mobile and screen use by age
Limiting screen time isn't just a fashion statement; it's based on sound scientific and child health reasons:
- Brain development and social skills: Before age 2, the brain grows very rapidly and requires direct human interaction. Screen use restricts the development of language, interaction, and emotional intelligence.
- Sleeping problems: Blue light from electronic devices disrupts circadian rhythms and reduces melatonin production, making it difficult to rest, especially if used before bed.
- Obesity and sedentary lifestyle: Excessive use promotes a sedentary lifestyle, reduces physical activity time, and increases the risk of being overweight or having metabolic problems.
- Attention and learning disorders: Excessive screen time is linked to attention deficit, decreased academic performance, and self-control problems.
- Emotional and behavioral risks: Inadequate consumption promotes irritability, impulsiveness, dependence on technology, and reduces the ability to manage emotions.
- Exposure to inappropriate content: Without adequate parental control, minors can access information, images, or relationships that are harmful to their age and maturity.
Specific recommendations by age range
Children from 0 to 2 years old: Why avoid screens
In children under two years of age, exposure to any screen should be avoided. Various studies agree that babies get no benefit from interacting with mobile phones or tablets; on the contrary, it can delay language acquisition, limit motor skills, and affect their ability to socialize. Screens replace free play, physical exploration, and face-to-face interaction with their environment, essential factors in neurological and emotional development.
Even using it to “soothe” or distract a baby can lead to dependence on digital stimuli and disrupt their sleeping, eating, and bonding routines. only exception proposed by the AAP and specialists is the use of video calls to maintain visual and auditory contact with family members, which can be positive under adult supervision.
From 2 to 4 years: First controlled exposures
Amongst the 2 and the 4 years You can start introducing the screens, but in a very measured way:
- Never more than 30-60 minutes a day, always accompanied by an adult.
- Choose high-quality, educational content, avoiding games with violence or excessive stimulation. Apps and videos should encourage participation, creativity, and active learning.
- Avoid using screens as an “emotional pacifier” to calm, sleep or entertain without interaction.
- Use your mobile phone or tablet as a reinforcement tool at certain times, but always prioritize real play, reading, music, and outdoor activities.
It's a good idea to stop using your screen from time to time and make sure that viewing never replaces key moments like eating, sleeping, or taking a bath.
From 5 to 6 years: Autonomy increases, but with clear limits
Amongst the 5 and 6 yearsChildren can now understand rules, but supervision is still essential. Mobile phones can be used for educational tasks, interactive games, video calls, or watching programs designed for their age. However, the total time should not exceed one hour per day.
Adults should clearly establish when digital use is allowed, reinforcing the importance of combining digital use with physical activity, reading, cooperative play, and family activities.
From 7 to 12 years old: Time to educate in digital responsibility
At this stage, curiosity and autonomy increase, so it is essential to educate in digital responsibility and maintain the limit of one and a half hours per day (including mobile, tablet, computer, and TV). It is advisable to:
- Avoid use during meals, in bedrooms, and before sleeping.Nighttime exposure is especially harmful.
- Monitor the type of content and teach how to differentiate between safe and dangerous information.
- Prioritize educational games, apps, or videos, and encourage dialogue about what they see and experience on the Internet.
- Establish family routines without devices (for example, during meals, walks, artistic activities or sports).
Many experts recommend setting up parental controls on all devices and periodically reviewing your browsing history.
Teenagers aged 13 to 16: Greater autonomy, same control
Adolescence is the stage where it is most difficult to set limits, as the cell phone becomes a basic social tool. However, the recommendation of the AEP and the AAP remains not exceed 2 hours of digital leisure time per day.
- Monitor their access to social networks and explain the risks of the Internet (cyberbullying, inappropriate content, privacy, etc.).
- Promotes a balance between screen use and in-person physical, cultural, family, and social activities.
- Highlights the importance of disconnecting before sleeping and never sleep with your cell phone under your pillow or near your bed.
- Talk frequently about what they consume and who they interact with onlineOpen communication is key to detecting problems early.
Common mistakes to avoid when managing your mobile phone and screens
- Allow screens in the child's room: This increases the risk of sleep disorders and makes it difficult to control the content.
- Screens during meals: They prevent family interaction and can alter eating habits.
- Using mobile phones just before going to sleep: Blue light delays sleep onset and decreases its quality.
- Blindly trusting "educational content": Not all materials labeled as educational are suitable. It is essential that an adult verify their quality and suitability.
- Stop supervising after a certain age: Even as children grow, supervision and discussion about responsible technology use should continue and be adapted as they mature.
- Replacing reading or free play with digital leisure: Fostering creativity, autonomy, and healthy boredom is key to development.
Practical recommendations and strategies for healthy use
- Establish clear family rules: Create a family digital plan where everyone is clear about when, how, and how long devices can be used.
- Give example: Children imitate adults, so it's critical that parents also limit their screen time and participate in device-free moments.
- Alternate with active leisure: Promote sports, spending time in nature, artistic activities, and group games as alternatives to digital leisure.
- Supervise and dialogue: Talk to your children about the risks and opportunities that technology offers. Teach them how to identify safe content and ask for help if something makes them uncomfortable online.
- Use parental control tools: Set up age-appropriate controls and filters and periodically review their effectiveness, updating them as needed.
- Establish screen-free zones and times: For example, at the table, in the bathroom, in bedrooms, and at least one hour before bedtime.
It is essential to personalize the rules to the family lifestyle, but always respecting the need for balance between the digital world and real life.
Consequences of excessive or inappropriate mobile phone use in children and adolescents
Screen abuse at an early age not only affects physical and mental development, it can also have long-term effects on health and well-being:
- Obesity and metabolic problems: Sedentary lifestyle associated with excessive use increases the risk of childhood obesity, diabetes, and future complications.
- Sleep disorders: Difficulty sleeping and reduced sleep quality are very common. This impacts academic performance, mood, and physical health.
- Emotional and behavioral problems: Irritability, anxiety, depression, low frustration tolerance, impulsivity, or addictive behaviors may be related to improper use.
- Attention and learning deficit: Excessive digital stimulation can affect concentration, memory, and problem-solving skills.
- Difficulty in face-to-face social relationships: Minors may lose face-to-face communication skills and empathy, developing a preference for virtual contact.
How to choose the right content and monitor mobile usage
Content selection is just as important as exposure time. Here are some guidelines for making wise decisions:
- Find apps and games for educational, creative, or social learning purposes, adapted to the age and needs of each minor.
- Avoid apps or videos with violent, sexual, risky, or low educational content.
- Check out the ratings and reviews from parents and experts before downloading any app.
- Participate and observe while your child uses the device: It's not just about supervising, but also about sharing experiences and fostering collaborative learning.
- Turn off autoplay of videos or video games to avoid uncontrolled consumption and teach children to take breaks.
An additional tip is to prevent children from having unlimited access to their phones during times of stress or boredom, reinforcing other enriching activities.
The role of the family in digital education and the importance of example
Experts agree that the best prevention is digital education from an early age. This implies:
- Co-viewing and sharing screen time: Sit with your children, discuss the content, and transform the digital experience into an opportunity for learning and dialogue.
- Encourage free and independent play, actively supervised, as an alternative to the passivity of screens.
- Establish family agreements and be consistent: The rules must be agreed upon and applied in all homes and by all caregivers (parents, grandparents, etc.).
- Promote emotional intelligence and conflict resolution without always resorting to technology.
Parental involvement in their children's digital world is essential for detecting warning signs, instilling values and skills for responsible use, and strengthening family bonds.
Frequently asked questions about mobile phone and screen use in children
- Should I allow screens during meals?
It is not recommended, as it limits family communication and encourages distractions that can affect eating habits and the relationship with food. - What do I do if my child gets bored without a phone?
Boredom is part of development and helps stimulate creativity, patience, and independence. Encourage your child to seek out other forms of entertainment. - At what age can they use social media?
The main platforms (Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, etc.) set the minimum age at 13 or 14. Before that, the risks of cyberbullying and inappropriate content are very high. - Can I let him use my phone while he sleeps?
Never. Exposure before bedtime makes it difficult to fall asleep and reduces its quality. A story, relaxing music, or conversation is better. - How do I manage parental controls?
Use parental control tools to restrict access by age, limit time, and monitor usage. Update restrictions regularly and discuss the reasons with your child. - Is it okay to use videos to calm babies?
It's not recommended. It's preferable to address their emotional needs through direct contact, caresses, songs, or stories.