Screen use at 31–36 months: content, routines and balance

The short answer

Yes. Screen use can be part of family life. Current guidance in England for children aged 2–5 says to try to keep it to no more than 1 hour a day, and less if possible; ideally use short chunks of 30 minutes or less. Avoid mealtimes and the hour before bed, choose calm age-appropriate content, and watch or use screens together.

In this guide · 12 sections

Keep in mind

For ages 2–5, England guidance says aim for no more than 1 hour a day, less if possible, ideally in short chunks.
Avoid fast-paced, social-media-style videos and AI toys or tools; choose slow-paced content for young children.
Co-view and engage with the content; screens should not replace sleep, play, movement or conversation.
Avoid screens at mealtimes and in the hour before bed.

Can a 31–36-month-old use screens?

Yes. Screen use can be part of family life. Current guidance in England for children aged 2–5 says to try to keep it to no more than 1 hour a day, and less if possible. Children in this source age range who are still under 3 are also covered by the 2–5 guidance.

Consider what your child watches, how they respond and whether screens are replacing sleep, play, movement or conversation.

What does the AAP 5 Cs approach mean?

The 5 Cs are Child, Content, Calm, Crowding Out and Communication. Ask how your child responds to media, whether the content is worthwhile, whether a device is used to manage every feeling and what activities it displaces.

This framework helps you fit screen use to your child and family routines rather than treating one number as the whole answer.

What content is more suitable?

Choose age-appropriate, slow-paced content made for young children. England’s under-5 guidance advises avoiding fast-paced, social-media-style videos and AI toys or tools.

Choose what to watch in advance. Turn off autoplay and avoid uncontrolled streams of videos.

Why watch or use media together?

Co-viewing—watching or using screens together, talking, asking questions and engaging with the content—is better for young children’s development than solo screen use.

Ask a simple question such as “What animal is that?” or “Where have we seen one?” Then try a related book, conversation or play activity.

Should you offer a screen whenever your child is upset?

Try not to use a device to distract your child every time they are bored, upset or frustrated. This is an opportunity to name the feeling and practise settling with your support.

Offer a cuddle, simple words, a book, quiet play or another calming routine. Screens can have a predictable place in the day without becoming the only way to calm down or fall asleep.

What should screen use not replace?

Make sure screens do not crowd out active play, outdoor time, exploring nature, books, sleep or conversation with family. The England advisory report recommends short chunks, ideally 30 minutes or less.

Look at the whole day: if your child still has time to move, play, rest and connect with you, screen use may fit more easily into the routine.

Should your child use screens before sleep?

Avoid screens at mealtimes and in the hour before bedtime, as advised in current England guidance. Use a calming bedtime routine with books and close time together instead.

Keep the bedroom screen-free where possible. A predictable transition helps your child know what comes next.

How can you make screen boundaries easier?

Set a predictable screen time, decide what to watch in advance and avoid open access to a phone or tablet. Make a family media plan that adults can follow too.

Give a warning before screen time ends and offer a clear next activity. Consistent expectations can make transitions easier over time.

What can you try today?

Look beyond the number of minutes: what did your child watch, did someone join them, was it hard to stop, and did it reduce time for sleep, play, books or movement?

Choose one small change, such as switching off autoplay, watching together and talking about the content, or moving screens away from meals and bedtime.

When to seek support

Some signs need emergency help; other concerns can be discussed with your child’s healthcare team.

Screen use repeatedly causes intense conflict when it ends or disrupts family life.
It is displacing sleep, play, movement or face-to-face interaction.
Your child relies almost exclusively on a screen to calm down.
Speak with your health visitor or GP if concerns are ongoing.

Sources used for this guide

English editorial review: 11 October 2026

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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