What is the best screen time limit for teens?

While there isn’t an exact universal screen time limit recommended for teenagers by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), who instead emphasize the quality and type of digital media use over strict quantity, several health organizations suggest limiting sedentary, recreational screen time to no more than two hours per day, excluding schoolwork. This recommendation contrasts sharply with reported averages, where teens aged 11-14 spend approximately nine hours, and 15-18 year olds spend about 7.5 hours daily on screens, not including academic use.

Excessive screen time is linked to various negative impacts, including obesity, sleep disturbances, behavioral issues, anxiety, depression, lower academic performance, and reduced time for physical and social development. To foster healthy habits, it is recommended to balance screen time with activities like sleep, exercise, schoolwork, and in-person social interactions. Practical strategies include establishing screen-free times (e.g., during meals and before bed) and zones (e.g., bedrooms), utilizing in-app time limits, encouraging physical activity, and developing a family media plan through open discussions. For eye health, the “elbow rule” (maintaining arm’s length from screens) and the “20/20 rule” (taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something far away) are also advised.