Parents, Take Note! WHO Says No Screens for Under-2s, Only 1 Hour for Toddlers

In today’s digital age, screens are everywhere. But when it comes to young children, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued clear warnings. According to their new guidelines, children under 2 years old should have zero screen time, and those aged 2–4 should have no more than one hour per day.

WHO’s New Screen Time Guidelines

• Under 2 years: No screen time at all.
• 2 to 4 years: Maximum of 1 hour per day, and the less, the better.
  These recommendations are part of WHO’s efforts to promote healthy growth and prevent sedentary behavior in early childhood.

Why Zero Screen Time for Under 2?

The first two years of life are crucial for brain development. Face-to-face interactions, physical play, and real-world experiences are essential for building motor skills, language, and social connections. Screens can interfere with these vital early learning experiences.

How Excessive Screen Time Affects Young Children

• Delayed language development
• Poor sleep quality
• Increased risk of obesity
• Reduced attention span
• Limited social skills
  Research shows that early exposure to screens can have long-term impacts on cognitive and physical health.

Recommended Activities for Early Childhood

Instead of screens, WHO encourages:

• Reading and storytelling with parents
• Active play indoors and outdoors
• Puzzles and creative play
• Music and dancing
  These activities not only support physical health but also strengthen parent-child bonding.

Tips for Parents to Reduce Screen Time

• Be a role model by limiting your own screen use.
• Create screen-free zones and times at home.
• Encourage more interactive activities.
• Avoid using screens as a way to calm or distract your child.

Long-Term Benefits of Limited Screen Use

Children who engage more in physical play and real-world social interactions:

• Develop stronger problem-solving skills
• Have better emotional regulation
• Are more physically active
• Show improved academic performance later on