Digital & AI literacy · 2026-03-30

Do Screens Sleep at Night?

What does the WHO actually say about young children and screens? A calm look at the guidelines and how to balance digital devices with active play.

In modern households, screens are practically ubiquitous. From the tablet that provides a moment of peace to the smartphones we constantly check, digital devices are woven into the fabric of daily life. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by conflicting advice about raising digital natives. For many parents, tech also brings a familiar pang of guilt and a recurring question: Is my child spending too much time staring at a screen?

In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) published guidelines for children under five. Rather than focusing solely on restricting digital devices, the guidelines look at the bigger picture: the 24-hour cycle. The goal is to help families find a healthy balance between physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep.

The 24-Hour Cycle: What the Guidelines Say

The WHO’s recommendations on screen time are clear and age-specific, rooted in the idea that developing brains and bodies need plenty of room to move and grow:

  • Under 1 year: Sedentary screen time is not recommended.
  • 1 to 2 years: For 1-year-olds, sedentary screen time is not recommended. For 2-year-olds, screen time should be no more than 1 hour a day (less is better).
  • 3 to 4 years: Sedentary screen time should be no more than 1 hour a day.

"Replacing restrained or sedentary screen time with more active play, while protecting sleep, will provide better health benefits."

— World Health Organization 1

It Is About What Screens Replace

Developmental science shows us that early brain wiring relies heavily on three-dimensional physical interactions and responsive human faces. Children learn how gravity works by dropping a spoon from a high chair, and they learn empathy by watching your reactions. The screen, flat and predictable, cannot replicate this rich, multi-sensory learning environment.

Screens are not inherently toxic, but they can be problematic because of the "displacement effect." When a young child is watching a screen for long periods, they are not crawling on the rug, knocking over wooden blocks, digging in the dirt, or exchanging smiles with a caregiver.

However, not all screen time is created equal. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) notes that video chatting with a grandparent or loved one is a notable exception. Because video calls are interactive and social, they help children build emotional relationships rather than passively consume content 2.

Connection Makes Screen Time Better

We all know that the reality of parenting does not always perfectly match the ideal guidelines. Sometimes, letting your child watch a program while you cook dinner or answer an urgent email is simply a necessary tool for family survival. There is no need for heavy guilt.

Finding high-quality, age-appropriate content is important, as young children struggle to distinguish between advertising and the actual program. When screens are used, "co-viewing" makes a significant difference. Even if it is just a short 10-minute episode, watching it together makes it a shared experience rather than an isolating one.

If you can, sit with your child, or stay nearby and talk about what is happening on the screen. Ask them, "What do you think the puppy will do next?" Embrace the spirit of asking "one more why." This transforms passive watching into an active, shared conversation.

(Note: If you have ongoing worries about your child’s sleep patterns, behaviour, or developmental milestones, a paediatrician or qualified professional is the right person to ask.)

Things to Try at Home This Week

  • Create a screen-free zone or time: Try making the dining table a phone-free area, or turn off all screens an hour before bedtime. This helps little brains wind down and prepare for a good night's sleep.
  • Connect the screen to the real world: If your child watches a show about bugs or baking, take that concept into the real world. Go for a walk to look for insects together, or mix some flour and water in the kitchen.
  • Enjoy interactive digital time: The next time you video call a family member, encourage your child to show off a painting they just made or a tower they built. Let them experience technology as a positive tool for connection.