Screen Time: Finding Balance for Your Toddler

With Diwali around the corner, many families are sharing video calls with relatives and watching festive content together. This is a good time to think about screen time for our little ones.

The Indian Academy of Pediatrics recommends NO screen time for children under 2 years, and maximum 1 hour of quality content for 2-5 year olds. But in our digital world, complete avoidance isn't always realistic.

Here's what works: Make screen time interactive. During video calls with grandparents, encourage your child to wave, talk, and show their toys. Choose educational apps in your mother tongue - many quality apps now offer Hindi, Tamil, Bengali content. Avoid screens during meals and 1 hour before bedtime as blue light affects sleep.

DO set up device-free zones (like the dining table), co-view content with your child, and use parental controls. DON'T use screens as the first solution for tantrums, allow passive watching for hours, or let children use devices alone in their rooms.

Remember, the best 'app' for your toddler is real play, conversation, and outdoor time. Screen time isn't inherently bad, but it should never replace physical activity, imaginative play, or human interaction. Balance is key for healthy brain development.

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