Children and Screens: A Guide for Children Ages 6-12
- Lisa Breedon
- Mar 24
- 7 min read
Navigating screen time in todays’ society can be challenging for all ages. The age range between 6-12 presents many new challenges for both children and their parents. During this age range children start navigating technology independently, especially as they begin to discover their own unique interests, identity and begin to develop their own social network, both online and offline.
The Verdict on the Impacts of Screen Use on Children 6-12: It's Complicated!
The current research on screen use for this age range has mixed results. Research shows in many cases there is a high correlation with negative outcomes for children that are associated with screen time, but not necessarily proof that it is screen time that causes the issues directly. In some areas, the research seems to be clear, such as the negative physical health impacts such as childhood obesity due to mindless eating while using screens, and less time spent outside to get fresh air, sunshine and exercise, which are all equally important for optimal health (Paulich et al., 2021, Liu et al., 2016). Sleep is also often impacted with children bringing handheld devices into their beds at nighttime - an obvious distraction which delays and disrupts sleep and may have physiological impacts due to blue light’s reduction in melatonin production (which helps us to sleep better), with some studies considering whether children in this age range are even more vulnerable to these effects compared to older children and adults (Wenge et al., 2019). Further impacting this is that cell phones and other handheld devices are held very close to the eyes, and this increases the degree of disruption of melatonin (Higuchi et al., 2003 as cited in Wenge et al., 2019).
Other research, that focuses more on psychological and social aspects of the child associated with screen time during this age appear to show positive social impacts due to the increased ability for social connectedness online, with one study showing fewer internalizing behaviors (which are related to anxiety and depression) at age 9 and activation of the reward system (as cited in Neville et al. 2021) as well the quantity and quality of peer relationships (Paulich et al. 2021). However, studies like this showing positive associations are rare as of yet. Typically, studies show that the higher the average screen time the worse the child's behavior and this aligns with other studies regarding mental health (Tooth et al. 2021). Screen time is associated with a higher risk of depression when it exceeds two hours a day, whereas lesser screen time may be associated with a lower risk of depression, with the lowest risk being one hour a day (Liu et al, 2016). In a study by (Eirch et al., 2022) they discuss that consistent with social learning theory (the idea that people learn new behaviors by observing and imitating others) children may become desensitized after repeated exposures and model aggressive or violent content toward others. Many studies also suggest more severe impacts of screens on certain populations, such as children of lower socioeconomic status (Paulich et al, 2021). Although it is not recommended for children to use social media until they are out of this age range, many still do, and a UK study found distinct developmental windows—around 11 to 13 for girls and 14 to 15 for boys—where they are extra sensitive to the impacts of social media; more use predicts a decrease in life satisfaction a year later, while lower use predicts greater life satisfaction (Orben et al., 2022).
What Does This All Mean for Parents and Their Children 6-12?
Overall, it appears within the grand scheme of things, that the research is imperfect (as it often is), however it does suggest there is a good chance of negative impacts on children due to screen use, however it does not affect everyone the same. Social media use aside (as it is not recommended for children in this age range anyways) children 6-12 may not be greatly impacted directly by screen time, especially when they have the guidance of a supportive adult available to help them navigate this area.
With that being said, allowing screen use in the moment can seem like an excellent way to keep a restless child calm and quiet, to get a child to relax in their bed for the night, or to help survive long winters where access to healthier activities may feel limited, but a key factor to always consider is the time spent on these screens takes away the child’s (and parent’s) opportunity to practice navigating these situations on their own, to develop healthier skills, and soak up what is happening around them.
Some advice for parents is to focus on creating positive habits now, especially prior to their transition into the teen years by focusing on the things we as parents do have control over now during an age range where parents still need to be the decision makers (and while children still look to us for this support). Focus on teaching young children how to navigate the world of technology in a healthy way. Read below for some tips on navigating screen time for ages 6 to 12.
Create Established Rules and Boundaries around Screen Time
Focus on addressing what content they view, and how much screen time should be allowed per day. Keep in mind the Canadian Paediatric Society recommends that screen time should be limited to less than 2 hours per day in children and adolescents. Discuss appropriate settings for screens (not during class, mealtimes, when with company, etc.), and be prepared to lead by example!
Remember to allow some decision making and autonomy for your child. Involving your children in decision making around screen time works better than screen time interventions that do not involve their input (Minges et al., 2015).
Create a family media plan:
Childproofing the Internet
If you haven’t done so already, focus on protecting them from things they are not ready to see or handle on their own. This website offers tons of information about the different ways children use the internet, and how you as a parent can mitigate the risks.
How to know when your child is ready for their own devices and/or social media accounts?
There may not be one perfect age. Some common recommendations are not to give your child a phone until they are 14 years old. The American Academy of Pediatrics direction focuses more on awareness of the risks, preparation and clear communication about how the phone will be used. A lot of content and popular apps are not recommended for children under 13, so taking this into consideration will be important. Do your own research and learn more about the recommended age to wait to give your child a phone.
To see more information about how to determine if your child may be ready for a phone and complete a quiz on this topic, see this link by the American Academy of Pediatrics:
Societal pressures contribute to the desire to conform and give phones at an early age. To address this, one Canadian advocacy group suggests signing a pledge with your school that you will wait until they are 14 years old to help reduce the pressure at your kid’s school. One helpful tip is to start with a smart watch or other device that only makes phone calls or has limits on what they can access.
As for social media account, the popular social media platform Instagram does not allow accounts for children under age 13 (those that do have accounts under 13 must state they are managed by a parent). As of 2025 they have created a “teen account” available in some areas which includes some controls for parents and teens for healthier and safer use and even addresses how to report content that is unsafe such as that which encourages eating disorders, for example. See the link for more information on their website to understand these features:
Additional Tips:
Sit with them when using screens and help them to decipher between what is real and what is not:
Be attentive to artificial intelligence, edited images and unrealistic situations on TV shows and movies. Talk it through with them and teach them to be critical of what they are viewing.
Be sure to schedule in time for healthy real-life activities which include exercise and in-person social time.
To continue to build in-person social skills and avoid isolation, check out London’s “Play Your Way” website where you can sign up for low-cost social activities, and depending on your income, you may qualify to have the fees waived.
*See more in the next blog post (Screen use for ages 12-18) for tips on navigating social media specifically.
References
American Academy of Pediatrics Website 2025. https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/media-and-children/center-of-excellence-on-social-media-and-youth-mental-health/qa-portal/qa-portal-library/qa-portal-library-questions/appropriate-age-to-introduce-a-mobile-device/?srsltid=AfmBOoqIax8kpxfWZSPCRQLbI9qPaWyrfVmigH44c-R5mCeyuNIdfacY
Eirich, R., McArthur, B. A., Anhorn, C., McGuinness, C., Christakis, D. A., & Madigan, S. (2022). Association of Screen Time With Internalizing and Externalizing Behavior Problems in Children 12 Years or Younger: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiatry (Chicago, Ill.), 79(5), 393–405. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2022.0155
Instagram Website, 2025. https://help.instagram.com
Liu, M., Wu, L., & Yao, S. (2016). Dose-response association of screen time-based sedentary behaviour in children and adolescents and depression: a meta-analysis of observational studies. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 50(20), 1252–1258. https://doi.org/10.1136/BJSPORTS-2015-095084
Neville, R. D., McArthur, B. A., Eirich, R., Lakes, K. D., & Madigan, S. (2021). Bidirectional associations between screen time and children’s externalizing and internalizing behaviors. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 62(12), 1475–1484. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.13425
Orben, A., Przybylski, A. K., Blakemore, S.-J., & Kievit, R. A. (2022). Windows of developmental sensitivity to social media. Nature Communications, 13(1), 1649–10. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-29296-3
Paulich, K. N., Ross, J. M., Lessem, J. M., & Hewitt, J. K. (2021). Screen time and early adolescent mental health, academic, and social outcomes in 9- and 10- year old children: Utilizing the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development SM (ABCD) Study. PloS One, 16(9), e0256591–e0256591. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0256591
Tooth, L. R., Moss, K. M., & Mishra, G. D. (2021). Screen time and child behaviour and health-related quality of life: Effect of family context. Preventive Medicine, 153, 106795–106795. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2021.106795
Unplugged Canada Website, 2024. https://unpluggedcanada.com/
Wenge, J. M., Hisler, G. C., & Krizan, Z. (2019). Associations between screen time and sleep duration are primarily driven by portable electronic devices: evidence from a population-based study of U.S. children ages 0–17. Sleep Medicine, 56, 211–218. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2018.11.009
Commenti