Children who live in homes with clear expectations and rules are less likely to make high-risk choices like using drugs and alcohol. While children are out of school this summer setting clear boundaries around screen time can be a positive step towards preventing high-risk choices.

For parents and families¹:

• Model appropriate behavior – balance your own technology use
• Educate yourself about new devices, games, apps, or online activities

Strategies to manage technology use for the whole family ²:

• Create “no screen” areas throughout the house (ex. At the dinner table or bedrooms)
• Turn off screens at a certain time each night
• Have tech-free days – challenge yourself and your family to a “media fast”

For Children³:

Birth – 3 years: No or minimal screen time

Not interacting with technology allows your child to develop relationships with others and sensory-motor skills through playing

Age 3 – 6 : One hour with parental supervision

Example: Use electronic toys that teach numbers, letters, and sounds

Age 6 – 9: Supervised use less than 2 hours per day

Example: Play active video games with family and friends

Age 9 – 12: Responsible use less than 2 hours per day

Example: Use the internet under supervision

Age 12 – 18: Independence with technology

Make sure your child stays involved with school activities and friends/family       

Information from:

1. Iowa Department of Public Health, Raising healthy kids in a technological world! https://idph.iowa.gov/Portals/1/userfiles/83/Prevention%20Tool%20Chest/Technological%20Kid.pdf
2. Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario & Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Video Gaming: How to Make Healthy Choices. http://www.problemgambling.ca/EN/ResourcesForProfessionals/Documents/video_game_tipsheet.pdf
3. Kim S. Young, What Parents can do about Technology Addiction at Home Parenting Guidelines: Rules for Every Age. http://netaddiction.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Screen-Smart-Guidelines.pdf