New report says screen time limits for children are no longer enough
ABC News • • business
Key Points:
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued new guidance emphasizing that limiting screen time alone is insufficient to address the impact of digital media on children's sleep, learning, and mental health, highlighting the complex design features of digital platforms.
- The review, based on hundreds of studies over 20 years, notes that digital media ecosystems—including social media, video games, and algorithm-driven content—are designed to maximize engagement, which can negatively affect children's well-being.
- The guidelines encourage parents to focus on the quality of digital content and to engage with children during screen use to better understand its effects, rather than enforcing rigid time limits.
- The AAP calls on technology companies and policymakers to share responsibility by implementing stronger privacy protections, limiting targeted advertising to minors
