What is the appropriate age for children to start using screens?
Determining the appropriate age for children to start using screens is one of the most common questions for parents in today's digital age. According to medical recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is advised to avoid screen use entirely for children under 18 months of age, with the exception of video chatting with family or relatives, as this is considered an interactive use of communication with real people [3]. The brain at this early developmental stage grows rapidly and relies primarily on direct interaction with the surrounding environment and human faces to develop social and linguistic skills.
The Impact of Screens on Brain Development in Infancy
Studies confirm that watching television or using tablets before the age of 18 months may not add real educational value; on the contrary, it can lead to lasting negative effects. Infants' brains at this stage cannot process complex symbols on screens or relate them to reality. Instead, children need interactive play, touching objects, and hearing the voices of their loved ones. Research indicates that early exposure to screens is linked to potential risks including delayed language skills, poor short-term memory, as well as sleep quality and attention span disorders later on [4].
Gradual Transition and Time Management in Early Years
When introducing digital content between the ages of 18 months and five years, the referenced guidelines recommend limiting digital entertainment to a maximum of one hour per day, not as a duration that must be fulfilled [4], with a complete focus on selecting high-quality, age-appropriate content, such as educational programs that encourage interaction and active learning. It is always advised to avoid fast-paced or unstructured content that may affect a child's ability to concentrate. For more tips on managing these habits, you can read our article on Parenting in the Digital Age: Screen Time Challenges and Building Healthy Relationships (Arabic).
The Importance of Parental Involvement (Co-viewing)
What matters is not only "how much" time a child spends in front of a screen, but "how" this time is consumed. Experts recommend what is called "co-viewing"; that is, parents sit with the child to discuss what they are watching. This transforms the experience from passive content consumption into an educational and interactive activity. You should also avoid using screens as a tool to soothe the child or distract them while eating, because this hinders the child from learning self-regulation and self-soothing skills naturally [3].
Signs That Require Attention
Parents should continuously monitor their child's behavior. If you notice a decline in social interaction, severe tantrums when the device is taken away, or a preference for screens over physical play and communication with the family, this may be an indicator that it is necessary to reduce screen time and reconsider the daily routine. Remember that background television, even if the child is not watching it directly, reduces the number of words the child hears from their parents, which negatively affects linguistic development [4]. If these challenges persist or affect the child's daily functioning, it is best to consult a pediatrician to evaluate the situation and develop a plan suitable for each case.
Medical references
Cite this answer
ClinicsJo Editorial Team. What is the appropriate age for children to start using screens? (Sep 13, 2026).
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