Screen Time and COVID-19 |

If you are the paren't of a young child, you may worry about how much time your child spends in front of a screen. This is especially true as we deal with the current COVID-19 pandemic and physical distancing. With schools shuttered until September and many of you working from home, you and your child may be spending more time than usual in front of a screen. You may also have concerns about the impact this increased screen time has on your child and your family.

Screen Time

Screen time usage and its impact on learning and development in young children has been studied for many years. The Canadian Pediatric Society (CPS) defines screen time as "time spent with any screen, including smart phones, tablets, television, video games, computers or wearable technology." In 2017, the CPS released new screen time position statements for children five years and under. Based on current early childhood research and expert consensus, CPS recommends that paren'ts and caregivers minimize young children’s screen time. Screen time is not recommended for children younger than two years. For children 2 to 5 years, regular screen time should be limited to less than one hour per day.

Research shows that young children learn best from hands-on exploration and live interactions. Minimizing screen time allows more time for this type of learning to take place. But in the time of COVID-19, minimizing screen time becomes even more of a challenge. What is a paren't or caregiver to do?

Here are eight tips to help you manage screen time in your home during this unprecedented time.

1. Video Chat with Relatives and Friends

Phew! Video chatting doesn’t count as "screen time". In fact, live and interactive video chatting with grandparen'ts and other relatives and friends benefits children, especially now when in-person visits can’t take place.

2. Cut Yourself Some Slack

Don't be hard on yourself if you and your child are using screens more frequently and for longer periods of time right now. In a recent CBC article, experts advised that more screen time during COVID-19 is "okay" and is "not going to suddenly put your child on a negative trajectory for your life". The important thing is for paren'ts to monitor how screens are being used and to balance screen time with other non-screen activities. Try taking walks in your neighbourhood or local park or reading together as a family.

4. Get Adequate Sleep

Sleep is important for young children, so avoid screens one to two hours before bed. If you're not sure how much sleep your child five and under needs, you can refer to the CPS's healthy sleep chart.

5. Make Time for Physical Activity

Make time for physical activity. The World Health Organization (WHO) released guidelines in 2019, advising that children under five must spend less time sitting watching screens and spend more time in active play if they are to grow up healthy. Play also helps children learn to understand their world. To find out how much daily activity your child needs, you can look at the CPS's recommendations.

6. Lead by Example

Model good screen practices yourself and be mindful of how much time you spend on screens.

7. Establish a Routine

Routines provide young children with security and stability. Creating a daily routine and establishing times for non-screen pursuits can be helpful.

8. Try New Activities

A fun non-screen activity that helps build early literacy skills is to listen to stories over the phone by calling our Dial-A-Story. Dial 416-395-5400 to hear stories in over 16 languages. There are stories for children seven years and under, as well as for children up to 12 years. Children also have the option to Hear-A-Story on our website.

You can find more Things to Do for children five and under on our Ready for Reading website with songs, stories and activities that help develop early literacy skills.

Interactive Play

Good Uses of Screen Time

When screens are used, it is helpful for paren'ts and caregivers to be present and engaged with their child. Prioritize high quality, age-appropriate interactive and educational programming. Here are some terrific screen options to help get you through COVID-19.

Ready for Reading Online Storytimes

Ready for Reading programs are now available on our Ready for Reading website. New programs are released every Tuesday and Thursday and feature books, rhymes and songs performed by TPL staff. Don’t miss our special program featuring Mayor John Tory reading Heather Patterson’s I Am Canada!

Read and Listen to Digital Books Together

Reading together is one of the best ways to help your child become a strong reader. When a paren't or caregiver reads a book with their child, there are many positive benefits. This includes literacy development and bonding with paren'ts, which promotes healthy child development. You may not be able to access our physical books right now, but you can read and share ebooks with your child. OverDrive Kids offers a large collection: