The AAP recommends that infants under 18 to 24 months should avoid screens altogether, with the exception of video chatting with family members. They believe that the developing brain of infants and young children is particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of screens. There is evidence that exposure to screens at a young age can negatively impact language development, sleep patterns, and social interactions. The AAP also suggests that parents spend more time interacting with their children through play and other activities that promote social, cognitive, and emotional development.
the AAP does make an exception for video chatting with family members for infants under 18-24 months old. Video chatting allows young children to see and interact with loved ones, which can be beneficial for their social development. However, the AAP still emphasizes that this should be limited and that in-person interactions are still the preferred method of socialization for young children. Additionally, it's important that the video chat is supervised by an adult, and that the child is not left alone with the device for extended periods of time.
For children ages 2 to 5 years old, the AAP recommends limiting screen time to one hour per day of high-quality programming. The organization also suggests that parents watch media with their children and use media as a "teachable moment" to help children understand what they are seeing. The AAP also recommends that parents establish a "media-free" zone in the home, such as the dinner table or a child's bedroom, where screens are not allowed.
It's important to note that the AAP's recommendations are based on the currently available evidence and are subject to change as new research emerges. It's also important to consider that every child is unique and may have different needs, so it's important to consider each child's individual development and behavior when determining an appropriate amount of screen time.