How much screen time should nursery children have?
WHO guidelines say children aged 2 to 4 should have no more than one hour of sedentary screen time a day, and less is better; under-2s should have none. Nursery classrooms should use screens sparingly and purposefully, with active, hands-on learning and conversation as the priority.
What this means in practice
Screens reduce time for play, talk and movement, which young children need for development.
Using screens well in nursery
- Short, purposeful use, such as a song with actions or a photo of an animal
- Watch together and talk about it
- Never as a reward or to keep children quiet
- Prefer real objects and books
Advice for parents
Share WHO guidance, suggest screen-free meals and bedtimes, and offer play ideas for home.
Better alternatives to screens
- Picture books and storytelling
- Puppets and role play
- Music and movement
- Outdoor exploration
- Sensory trays and building materials
Practical next steps
- Audit classroom screen use.
- Replace passive videos with active alternatives.
- Share guidance with parents.
What to keep in mind
Guidelines are evidence-based recommendations; families make their own decisions at home.
Common follow-up questions
Is educational TV good for preschoolers?
Limited, co-viewed content can help, but play and talk matter more.
Should nurseries use tablets?
Sparingly and purposefully, if at all.
Sources
- WHO guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under 5
- Center on the Developing Child, Harvard University
Course facts come from APTTI's published course pages. Examples use made-up names. How these answers are prepared.