Screens and Young Children

This list contains a variety of resources associated with screens and young children.

Table of Contents

IEL Resources

Tip Sheets

Questions and Answers

Blogs

Children and Media Tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (also in Spanish)
Source: HealthyChildren.org

This article provides important tops for families to manage the ever-changing digital landscape.

The Influence of Media on Young Children’s Development (also in Spanish)
Source: Zero to Three

In this podcast, Dr. Ellen Wartella talks about recent research on the impact of media on young children and how parents can use this information to make good decisions around the use of TV and other “screens.”

Joint Guidance Brief on the Use of Technology with Young Children
Source: U.S. Departments of Human Services and Education

This is a guidance brief on early learning and the use of technology to help families and early educators use technology to promote active, engaged, meaningful and socially interactive learning.

Keeping Technology in Check: Mindful Technology Use DOs for Parents (also in Spanish)
Source: HealthyChildren.org

This article provides guidelines for families that focus on things parents can do related to technology use in families.

Media Resources by HealthyChildren.org (also in Spanish)
Source: HealthyChildren.org

This page provides a list of links for information on media use in young children.

Screen Free Moments: Promoting Healthy Habits (also in Spanish)
Source: NCR Kids

This 7-minute video shows a few simple ways to limit or even eventually eliminate screen time in your family child care home.

Screen Use for Children Under 3: Research-Based Guidelines for Screen Sense
Source: Early Childhood Investigations

This page provides links to two recorded webinars regarding screen use for children under 3. Handouts from the webinar are also available to download. Free registration is required to view the webinar.

Screen-Time Recommendations for Children Under Six
Source: Zero to Three

This article informs parents about recommendations on screen time for young children and provides tips on using media to support early learning.

Selecting Appropriate Toys for Young Children in the Digital Era
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

This clinical report provides pediatric health care providers with evidence-based information that can be used to support caregivers as they choose toys for their children.

Smartphones, Tablets, and Screen Time – Oh My!
Source: StarNet

This 3 minute podcast discusses a variety of features to look for when choosing developmentally appropriate apps for young children.

Technology and Young Children: Online Resources and Position Statement
Source: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

The position paper “Technology and Interactive Media as Tools in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth through Age 8” reviews findings on the effects of technology on young children and recommends educators use their professional judgment when considering their use. This site also lists online resources about technology and young children.

Tips to Reduce Screen Time
Source: National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

This site provides tips to reduce screen time in children.

What Do We Really Know About Kids and Screens?
Source: American Psychological Association (APA)

This articles reviews the research on kids and screens and gives recommendations for healthy screen use with children.