Screen Time Calculator

AAP Recommends 1 Hour/Day for Ages 2–5 and Consistent Limits After — See Where Your Child Stands

AAP recommends age-based screen time limits. See where your child stands — and how Bark helps without taking the device away.

Your Child's Screen Time

10

Drag the slider to your child's age.

hours/day

Include phone, tablet, TV, gaming, and computer time outside of schoolwork.

hours/day

Weekends often have 2-3x more screen time than weekdays.

Common Questions About Kids Screen Time

How much screen time is healthy for my child's age?

AAP guidelines: under 18 months — no screen time except video calls. 18-24 months — less than 1 hour of high-quality content with parent. 2-5 years — 1 hour/day max. 6+ years — consistent limits that don't displace sleep, physical activity, and social interaction. Quality matters as much as quantity.

What are the effects of too much screen time on kids?

Research links excess screen time to: sleep disruption (blue light suppresses melatonin), attention issues (fractured focus from rapid content switching), reduced physical activity, and delayed social skill development in younger children. Bark's screen time management lets parents set limits, downtime schedules, and app-specific rules without confiscating devices.

Should I take my child's phone away to reduce screen time?

Research suggests outright removal is counterproductive — it drives behavior underground and damages parent-teen trust. Better approach: set clear limits through parental controls, create phone-free zones (bedrooms, dinner table), model good screen habits yourself, and use Bark to monitor rather than confiscate.