Screen Time Guidelines for Children The Australasian College of Behavioural Optometrists (ACBO) has released the below guidelines for time spent on computer, phone and tablets. This is based on studies which have shown that excessive screen time is associated with risk of myopia, eyestrain, headaches, blurry vision, dry eyes, as well as neck and shoulder pain. This is a really difficult area of parenting. I know lots of parents who enjoy the peace that screen time buys from young children, as well as many who are deeply concerned about the amount of time older children spend. For more information, and a list of references used, please go to acbo.org.au 0-2 years None, except parent supported Face Time or Skype. 2-5 years 1 hour per day or less. Should be age appropriate,educational, co viewed with parent and discussed to provide context for the child. Excessive screen time under 5yo may cause delays in development, cognitive delays and poorer academic performance 5-18 years 2 hours per day or less. Ideally recreational screen time should be limited. I will outline other screen time tips in my next article. In the meanwhile, if you have concerns for your children's vision then feel free to give us a call to make an appointment or visit evolveoptometry.com.au to book online. Tony Ireland Evolve Optometry Shop G03, Village Centre, Batemans Bay | 4472 8080 www.evolveoptometry.com.au evolve OPTOMETRY AW7405438 Screen Time Guidelines for Children The Australasian College of Behavioural Optometrists ( ACBO ) has released the below guidelines for time spent on computer , phone and tablets . This is based on studies which have shown that excessive screen time is associated with risk of myopia , eyestrain , headaches , blurry vision , dry eyes , as well as neck and shoulder pain . This is a really difficult area of parenting . I know lots of parents who enjoy the peace that screen time buys from young children , as well as many who are deeply concerned about the amount of time older children spend . For more information , and a list of references used , please go to acbo.org.au 0-2 years None , except parent supported Face Time or Skype . 2-5 years 1 hour per day or less . Should be age appropriate , educational , co viewed with parent and discussed to provide context for the child . Excessive screen time under 5yo may cause delays in development , cognitive delays and poorer academic performance 5-18 years 2 hours per day or less . Ideally recreational screen time should be limited . I will outline other screen time tips in my next article . In the meanwhile , if you have concerns for your children's vision then feel free to give us a call to make an appointment or visit evolveoptometry.com.au to book online . Tony Ireland Evolve Optometry Shop G03 , Village Centre , Batemans Bay | 4472 8080 www.evolveoptometry.com.au evolve OPTOMETRY AW7405438