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How much screen time is OK for a primary school child?

Edusky Private School · Parents' Guide · Last reviewed: 2026-10-18

In short

- The WHO recommends no more than one hour per day for children aged 2 to 4.[1]
- For children aged 5 to 17, the WHO recommends limiting sedentary time, particularly recreational screen time.[3]
- The AAP recommends a Family Media Plan that balances screens with sleep, play, and family time.[2]
- Put devices away at bedtime.[2]

Is there a set number of hours?

Parents often ask for a simple number: "How many hours is OK?" The answer depends on age.

The World Health Organization recommends that for children aged 2 to 4, sedentary screen time should be no more than 1 hour per day; less is better.[1] For children and adolescents aged 5 to 17, the WHO recommends limiting the amount of time spent being sedentary, particularly the amount of recreational screen time, rather than giving a number of hours.[3]

What the AAP recommends

The AAP says a Family Media Plan can be especially helpful for school-age children, who are receptive to setting up and following rules.[2] The aim is balance: enough time to sleep, read, do homework, play and chat with family.[2]

The AAP suggests:
- Sleep: Put devices away at bedtime so that kids can settle their brains and bodies to sleep.[2]
- Homework and meals: If screens are a break after school, make sure they don't get in the way of homework and meals together.[2]
- Play and sport: Leave enough time for playing sports with other children.[2]

How to create a Family Media Plan

The AAP suggests making a media plan for the whole family, parents included.[2] You can find the Family Media Plan on the HealthyChildren.org website.

FAQ

Is there a recommended number of hours for a seven-year-old?

The WHO's one-hour limit is for children aged 2 to 4.[1] For ages 5 to 17, the WHO recommends limiting sedentary time, particularly recreational screen time, rather than giving a number of hours.[3] The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests balancing screen time with sleep, reading, homework, play and family time.[2]

Should screens be off before bed?

Yes. The AAP recommends putting devices away at bedtime so children can settle their brains and bodies to sleep.[2]

How do I keep screen time in balance?

Talk with your child about balancing screen time so there is enough time to sleep, read, do homework, play and chat with family.[2] If screens are a break after school, make sure they don't get in the way of homework or meals together.[2]

Sources

Sources last verified: 2026-10-18

  1. World Health Organization. To grow up healthy, children need to sit less and play more. https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/24-04-2019-to-grow-up-healthy-children-need-to-sit-less-and-play-more. Accessed 2026-10-18.
  2. American Academy of Pediatrics (via HealthyChildren.org). Kids & Screen Time: 5 C's Questions for School-Age Children. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/kids-and-screen-time-5-cs-questions-for-school-age-children.aspx. Accessed 2026-10-18.
  3. World Health Organization. WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour (2020). https://iris.who.int/server/api/core/bitstreams/f3885485-e7eb-4504-8026-edd9bb53a6ee/content. Accessed 2026-10-18.

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About Edusky: a KPM-registered private primary school (SMIPS JDA1001) in Taman Adda Height, Johor Bahru. Standard 1 to 6 on Malaysia's national curriculum, in classes of about 15, with after-school care until 6pm on weekdays.

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