Screen Time
Screen time is the time spent on screen-based behaviours, which can be performed while being sedentary or physically active.
Some examples of screen time include; watching television, playing video games and using a smartphone or tablet.
There are four main types of screen time:
Recreational screen time: Time spent on screen behaviours that are not related to school or work.
Stationary screen time: Time spent using a screen-based device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, computer, television) while being staying in one place in any context (e.g., school, work, recreational).
Sedentary screen time: Time spent using a screen-based device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, computer, television) while seated or lying down in any context (e.g., school, work, recreational).
Active screen time: Time spent using a screen-based device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, computer, television) while being active in any context (e.g., school, work, recreational).
Recommended amounts of screen time:
- For infants under 1 year of age, screen time is not recommended.
- For children more than one year of age but less than five years of age, sedentary screen time should be limited to one hour per day- less is better!
- For children more than five years of age, up to 17 years of age, recreational screen time should not be more than 2 hours per day.
For more information on screen time recommendations see the Canadian 24 Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Youth (PDF)
Services related to this information:
811 HealthLine (Newfoundland & Labrador) – Call 811 or 1-888-709-2929 / TTY 1-888-709-3555
