the truth about toddler screen time - and how to set healthy limits

Hey Auckland parents! Chances are you’ve asked yourself: “How much screen time is too much for my toddler?”

It’s one of those parenting debates that comes up alongside sugar intake, dummy use, and bedtime routines. For many of us, it started with a bold pre-parenthood rule: “I won’t allow my child screen time.” Fast forward to dinner prep with a clingy toddler or a long car ride, and suddenly the iPad feels like a lifesaver.

Before long, your three-year-old knows how to unlock your phone, swipe through games, and even queue up their favourite show. And like many modern parents, you’re left wondering: Am I letting my child have too much screen time?

Is Screen Time Really That Bad?

Remember when our parents used to say watching too much TV would give us “square eyes”? While that turned out to be more myth than medical fact, the anxiety around screens has stuck around.

The good news? Research suggests the screen itself isn’t the problem. It’s the lack of movement while kids are glued to a device. Excessive sedentary time has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and sleep problems.

Organisations like UNICEF also warn that too much screen time can reduce empathy, affect social skills, and shorten attention spans.

But here’s the twist: not all screen time is bad.

The Surprising Benefits of Screen Time

When used intentionally, screens can actually support your child’s learning. Educational shows and apps can help toddlers with:

• Early language and vocabulary development

• Colour and shape recognition

• Numeracy and pre-literacy skills

• Creativity and hand-eye coordination

  
  

And when you join in—watching, playing, or problem-solving together—it can even become quality family time rather than a passive activity.

How Much Screen Time is Recommended for Toddlers?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), children under three should have no more than one hour of screen time per day. Importantly, this limit isn’t because screens are inherently harmful—it’s to ensure little ones have enough time to move, play, and explore the world.

For children aged 3–4, WHO recommends at least 3 hours of physical activity every day, ideally outdoors. Fresh air and natural light not only support healthy development but can also help reduce the risk of myopia (short-sightedness), which has been linked to extended indoor and screen time.

Managing Meltdowns When Screen Time Ends

If you’ve ever told your toddler it’s time to put the iPad away, you’ve likely faced tears, tantrums, or even full-blown protests. That’s because screens trigger feel-good hormones—just like how we feel annoyed if Netflix suddenly cuts out mid-show.

Here are some practical tips:

• Give a warning: Let your child know screen time will end in 5 minutes.

• Offer a swap: Transition into another activity like kicking a ball in the garden, reading a story together, or sitting down for dinner.

• Stay consistent: The more predictable your boundaries, the easier it becomes for your child to adapt.

  
  

Finding the Balance for Your Family

At our Mt Eden childcare centre, we see daily how important active play, social interaction, and outdoor time are for toddlers. But we also understand the realities of modern parenting—screens are part of our world, and sometimes they’re helpful.

The key is balance. Set boundaries that work for your family, choose high-quality content, and make sure screens are just one piece of a healthy mix of play, rest, and connection.

Parenting is full of challenges and choices. Screen time doesn’t need to be a battle—it just needs thoughtful boundaries.

💡 This article was written with inspiration from Parenting Place, a trusted resource for Kiwi parents.