WHO releases first guidance on screen time for children younger than 5 years old

Children younger than 5 years old should spend less than one hour per day looking at a screen — if at all, the World Health Organization says.

In its first-ever guidance on screen time and children, WHO also says no child younger than 1 year old should see a screen at all. The guidelines are to help push children to more physical activity and away from being sedentary, watching phones, tablets, computers, televisions and more.

WHO suggests children who must be sedentary engage in reading and storytelling with a caregiver when possible. Children ages 1-2 who are physically able are encouraged to spend at least three hours throughout a 24-hour period doing physical activities.

Physical inactivity is a leading cause of mortality, WHO says, because it contributes to the rise of obesity and being overweight.

SCREEN TIME RECOMMENDATIONS:
Infants to age 1: None
Children, age 2: No more than 60 minutes
Children, ages 3-4: No more than 60 minutes

WHO also offers physical activity and sleep guidance for children younger than 5 years old. Read it here.