How Much Screen Time Is Too Much? How Can Watcheez Minimise the Meltdowns?
Finding the right balance between screen time and healthy child development is a challenge many parents face, especially in the early years. Here's what experts say— and how Watcheez can help you manage tantrum-triggering transitions smoothly.
How Much Screen Time Is Too Much?
No screen time under 2 years old. Australian guidelines strongly recommend zero screen exposure for babies and toddlers under age two (aside from occasional video-calling with relatives), as passive screen use may impair language development.
No more than 1 hour per day for ages 2–5. The Australian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines and multiple health bodies suggest limiting pre-schoolers to under one hour of recreational screen time per day.
Amount matters—but quality matters more. Experts like those from eSafety warn that there's no magic number—what matters is age, content quality, parent involvement, and how screen time fits into your family’s routine.
Longer exposure can affect development. Studies indicate that more than two hours of screen time per day in young children may hinder language, behavioural, and cognitive development.
Bottom line:
For toddlers—especially under age 5—limit screen time to about an hour daily, ensure it’s educational, interactive, and always paired with real-world engagement.
Reducing Tantrums When Screen Time Ends
Letting go of a screen often triggers tantrums—screens activate dopamine and can be addictive for little ones. Parents frequently report abrupt shifts in mood when it's time to stop viewing.
But there’s another way to help smooth that transition: Watcheez
Watcheez watches give your child a playful way to learn time, build predictability, and feel empowered - all keys to smoother transitions.
How to use Watcheez as a Time-based transition:
The orange hand is now pointing at the duck. When it points to the rabbit, turn the TV off, then we will go outside for a snack and playtime!
This builds anticipation and prepares your toddler emotionally and empowers your child by giving them a sense of control and ownership, reducing tantrum triggers.
Don't forget: praise that cooperation!
Final Thoughts
Stick to one hour or less of quality screen time for kids aged 2–5.
Focus on interactive, co-viewing, educational content.
Use Watcheez as a tool to build structure, control, and calm into transitions.
