Parents ask for a magic number of screen-time minutes, but the research doesn't really support one. What predicts outcomes better is what the screen time is displacing: sleep, unstructured play, and face-to-face time.

A more useful question

Instead of asking "how many minutes," ask: is this child still getting enough sleep, movement, and in-person connection? If yes, the exact number matters far less than most parents assume.

This article is for general educational purposes and isn't a substitute for individualized medical or psychological advice. If you're concerned about your child's emotional wellbeing, please consult a licensed pediatrician or mental health professional.