Screen time affects many aspects of children’s health.Higher screen time is linked to:

Age Recommended hours of screen time

Under 2 years None

2-4 years Less than 1 hour a day

5-17 years No more than 2 hours recreation screen time a day

• Lower levels of physical fitness and higher risk of disease.

• Lower mental wellbeing, lower self-esteem and increased behavioural issues.

• Poor brain development, language development and attention skills in the early years.

‘Screen time’ is the time spent using a screen-based device,

such as a smart phone, tablet, computer or television.

Sitting or lying down while using a device is ‘sedentary

screen time’.

More than 75% of Canadian children are getting too much

sedentary screen time!

burlington.ca/healthykids BurlingtonParks&Rec @Burl_ParksRec @Burl_ParksRec

How Can You Build a Balanced Day?

Stay within recommended screen time limits:• Create a family screen time contract together.• Shut off wifi the same time each day when it is time to do other activities.• Work on staying within the recommended screen time for your age group for a

whole week – or try going device free during weekdays!

Replace screen time with other activities (physical activity, social interactions, and educational activities).

• Reach 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day.• Make a list of things to do to replace screen time.• Visit friends and family, screen free.• Keep books, puzzles, games and art supplies easily accessible.

Put screens away during important times of day (sleep time and meal times):

• Remove screens from bedrooms and kitchen areas.• Turn off devices one hour before bed and do a screen free activity like reading or yoga.• Create topics to discuss at mealtimes with your family to encourage conversation.

burlington.ca/healthykids BurlingtonParks&Rec @Burl_ParksRec @Burl_ParksRec