The Screen-Time Switch: Kids Are Replacing TV with Videos and Gaming
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A new report states that kids 0–8 use screens for about 2.5 hours each day and watch less TV than in 2020, but watch more short-form videos and play more video games.
“Short-form videos are also emerging as an important part of children’s screen media activities, with nearly half (48%) of children aged 0 to 8 having ever watched short videos on platforms like TikTok or Reels,” said researcher Supreet Mann, PhD. “These changes present both opportunities like interactive learning and creativity and challenges like content exposure and supervision gaps.”
Mann encourages parents to exercise discernment when it comes to how their kids use media.
“Device ownership also starts remarkably early,” says Dr. Mann. “Forty percent of 2-year-olds have their own tablet and nearly a quarter of 8-year-olds have their own phones. Perhaps most surprising is AI’s entrance into early childhood, with 39% of 5 to 8-year-olds using AI features for school learning.”
Gaming went up 65%, or up by 23 minutes per day since 2020.
Carla Counts Allan, PhD, Hagenah Family Endowed Chair in the Division of Psychology at Phoenix Children’s, says the study shows screen use has become the norm for kids as young as 2 years old.
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“While screens have long been used for entertainment and education, they are now integrated into daily routines that were once parent-driven, such as helping children self-regulate and manage transitions like bedtime,” she said.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that kids younger than 18 mos. avoid using screens altogether unless for video calls.
“For children aged 18 to 24 months, parents who want to introduce digital media should choose high-quality programming and watch it with their children to help them understand what they’re seeing,” says Don Grant, PhD, and national advisor of healthy device management for Newport Healthcare.
However, many parents exceed the time limits, as children under 2 have an average of one hour of daily screen time, and 2-4 year-olds average two hours. A recent study in Singapore reported that 88% of kids between 18 and 24 months were given daily screentime.
The AAP recommends co-viewing with children. However, 62% of parents say they occasionally watch YouTube with their kids, while only 17% say they co-view while on TikTok.
“This suggests that while some parents are engaging in co-viewing, it may be inconsistent across all platforms,” said Dr. Grant. “This is also of noteworthy concern when again considering the potential of a child accessing and viewing inappropriate content.”
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While some kids use screens for emotional regulation or routines, the AAP says screen time does not help with adequate sleep, physical activity, and other healthy behaviors.
The Mayo Clinic said the more kids watch screens, the more likely they are to struggle with obesity, irregular sleep, behavioral issues, violence, academic performance, and creative play.
“This indicates a need for balance to ensure screen time does not interfere with other important activities,” said Dr. Grant. “Parents are encouraged to set consistent limits, co-view content, and prioritize high-quality educational media to align with the AAP’s recommendations.”
“While screens are now a part of life, it’s important to take a harm-reduction approach, especially for young kids,” says Dr. Allan. “Limiting exposure, particularly during key times like mealtimes, playtime, and bedtime, is crucial.”
Dr. Allan believes if this trend of media use continues, that children will have less ability to self-soothe and have lower frustration tolerance.
Parents can take a more active approach by co-viewing across all platforms, choosing high-quality or educational content, limiting screen time—especially for kids under 18 months, avoiding screens during important routines, disabling auto-play features on kids’ devices and setting a good example by modeling healthy screen use.
Dr. Grant adds, “Carefully consider both the introduction timing of each successive piece of technology including any restrictions, limitations, and appropriateness of products they deliver.”
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