Most of us probably think that small children spending a lot of time looking at screens is probably not a good idea. But is there any evidence to back this up? Frustratingly little. But there are very helpful guidelines available, and we should be promoting these recommendations.

As optometrists, we are often asked by parents, what are the implications of screen time on vision development. Now we can refer to the WHO recommendations.

At a glance these recommendations say infants less than one years of age should have no screen time. For one year olds, sedentary screen time (such as watching TV or videos, playing computer games) is not recommended while for those aged 2 years, sedentary screen time should be no more than 1 hour; less is better. Older children of three-four years are recommended to have no more than 1 hour of sedentary screen time; and again less is better.

Children under 2 years of age No screen time. Excessive screen time reduces language development and increases the likelihood of childhood obesity.

Children 2-5 years Children who are toddlers and pre-schoolers should have a maximum of 1 hour of screen time a day. Higher rates of screen time are associated with less play, poorer social skills, slow language development and increased risk of obesity.

Children 5-17 years Should be limited to 2 hours of recreational screen time per day. Children are now using screens more during their education, so limiting screen time during entertainment is important. When families pay attention to their media consumption and parents monitor their children’s digital access, the amount of screen time reduces along with positive improvements in sleep and school performance.

The recommendations made by WHO are echoed by New Zealand’s version: Sit less, Move More, Sleep Well: Active play guidelines for under-fives.