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?
For children younger than 18 months, AAP guidance recommends avoiding screen media other than video chatting. If you choose to introduce media around 18 to 24 months, select high-quality content and watch together.
At 13 to 18 months, focus on responsive play, movement, sleep, and conversation. Screen recommendations vary slightly with age, so ask your child’s clinician if you need help applying them.
Why is routine solo screen use discouraged?
AAP guidance distinguishes a live video call from a toddler watching recorded media alone. When a child is 18 to 24 months and a family chooses media, co-view and help connect the content to real life.
Before 18 months, avoid screen media apart from video chatting. At any age in this range, an educational label does not replace responsive interaction with a caregiver.
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 caregiver. 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. Prioritize 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
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Positive Parenting Tips: Toddlers (1–2 years old)
- www.healthychildren.org — regional guidance
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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