The short answer
For children under 2, US AAP guidance generally avoids screen media other than video chatting; when introducing media around 18–24 months, choose high-quality content and watch together. Current England guidance says to avoid screens under 2 except shared family activities that encourage bonding and interaction. In both settings, protect sleep, play, movement, meals, and face-to-face time.
In this guide · 12 sections
Keep in mind
- Recommendations differ by country and age; 18 months sits at an important guidance boundary.
- Shared video calls are different from leaving a toddler to watch alone.
- Keep screens from displacing sleep, movement, play, meals, and responsive interaction.
Why is screen use considered differently at this age?
Current England guidance advises avoiding screen time for children under 2 except shared family activities that encourage bonding, interaction, and conversation. This can include a live video call or looking at family photos together.
Keep shared screen activities brief and interactive. Screens should not displace sleep, physical play, meals, stories, or time talking face to face.
Why is routine solo screen use discouraged?
For children under 2, England guidance makes an exception for shared family activities that encourage interaction; it does not recommend using a device as a routine solo activity.
Sit with your toddler, talk about what you see, and stop when they lose interest. Prioritise play, sleep, meals, books, and everyday conversation.
Why is a video call different?
A live video call can include responses to your child's sounds, looks, and gestures, so it can be more interactive than a recorded program.
Stay with your toddler and help connect the screen to the person: ‘Grandad is waving.’ Keep the call age-appropriate and end it when your child loses interest.
Should screens be used for meals, calming, or sleep?
A screen may seem to make a meal or difficult moment easier, but using it every time can make routines depend on a device and reduce opportunities to notice hunger, fullness, or feelings.
Try a predictable bedtime routine, a familiar book, a quiet song, or comfort from a carer. Avoid making a screen the regular way to settle your child for sleep.
Why reduce background television?
A television left on in the background can interrupt conversation and shared attention even when your toddler is not watching directly.
Turn it off when no one is watching, especially during meals, play, and book sharing. Adults can also put phones aside during these interactions.
What difference does watching together make?
If you choose to use a screen, sit with your child and talk about what you see. Linking an image to a real object or person can make the experience more social.
Watching together does not make screen media essential. Prioritise direct play and conversation, and keep any screen use within current local guidance.
Should you worry if your child watched once?
A brief screen exposure during a journey or while another person is watching does not by itself show that your child has a developmental problem.
Look at the overall routine: whether screens are crowding out sleep, meals, play, movement, books, or responsive time together. A single short occasion is different from a daily pattern that is hard to change.
What can you try today?
Notice when screens are used most often, such as at meals, during a parent's busy moment, or for a family video call. Choose one routine to adjust first.
Make an easy alternative available, such as a basket of large blocks, a sturdy book, safe containers, or family photos to look at together.
When is professional advice useful?
Talk with your child's clinician if screen use is consistently disrupting sleep, meals, play, or family routines and you are finding it difficult to make changes.
If your child loses words, gestures, or social skills they previously used, seek developmental advice. Do not assume screen use is the only explanation.
When to seek support
Some signs need emergency help; other concerns can be discussed with your child’s healthcare team.
- If screen use is disrupting sleep, meals, play, or family interaction, discuss practical support with your child's clinician.
- Do not attribute lost words, gestures, or social skills to screens alone; ask for developmental advice.
Sources used for this guide
English editorial review:
The English text and regional guidance have been checked editorially. This is not an individual clinical assessment.
Luluna provides general parenting information. It does not diagnose conditions or replace your child’s healthcare professional.
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