Screen Time Rules That Help School Readiness

In today’s digital age, managing screen time is a pressing concern for parents and educators alike. While technology can enhance learning, excessive screen exposure, especially without structure, can hinder young children’s readiness for school. 

Why Co-viewing Habits Matter for School Readiness

School readiness includes more than letters; it involves co-viewing habits, attention, coordination, and emotional development. According to AAP guidelines, children aged 2–5 should have one hour of high-quality co-viewing habits per day. This screen time recommendation is based on research linking overuse to language delays, sleep disruption, and poor concentration. These challenges can significantly affect early learning and impact long-term school performance and emotional self-regulation in young children.

Effective Screen Time Rules for School Readiness

1. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
   Not all screen time is created equal. Educational programs like Sesame Street or interactive apps designed for early literacy can be beneficial. Choosing content that encourages thinking, problem-solving, and real-life skills is key.
2. Establish Tech-Free Zones and Times
   Consistent routines such as, no screens during meals or in the hour before bedtime, can help children develop self-regulation. These routines also promote family interaction and healthy sleep habits, which are both vital for learning and attention at school.
3. Encourage Co-Viewing and Interaction
   Sitting with your child during screen use can turn passive viewing into an interactive experience. Asking questions, pausing to discuss content, and relating media to the child’s real-life experiences deepens understanding and vocabulary development (Zero to Three, 2023).
4. Balance Screen Time with Physical Play and Reading
   Screen use should not replace critical activities like outdoor play, hands-on learning, and reading. These experiences support gross motor development, problem-solving, and creativity. These are essential skills in early classrooms.
5. Model Healthy Digital Habits
   Children imitate adults. Limiting your own screen use, demonstrating how to take breaks, and being present during family interactions sets the tone for balanced media use.

Conclusion

By setting thoughtful screen time boundaries and prioritizing high-quality, interactive content, parents can use digital media to support, rather than sabotage, school readiness. It’s not about eliminating screens, but about using them wisely, with purpose and balance.

Co-viewing Habits: Written by Mandy Brincat

If you think that you can benefit from professional support on this issue you can reach out here.

Mandy Brincat is a Gestalt psychotherapist who enjoys working therapeutically with adults on various issues. These include general mental health and wellbeing. She also has experience working with anxiety, victims of domestic violence and eating disorders.

References

1. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2020). Media and young minds. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/media/Pages/default.aspx
2. World Health Organization. (2019). Guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under 5 years of age. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241550536
3. Zero to Three. (2023). Screen sense: What the research says about the impact of media on children under 3. https://www.zerotothree.org