Screens are everywhere. They live in our pockets, on our walls, in cars, cafés and waiting rooms. For parents of young children, that can feel equal parts helpful and overwhelming. Is screen time bad? Is some okay? How much is too much? And what happens when you just need five minutes to finish a sentence or drink a hot coffee?

Let’s take a breath together. Screen time doesn’t need to be an all-or-nothing conversation. Like most things in early childhood, it’s about balance, intention, and connection.

Why Screen Time Matters in the Early Years

The first five years of life are a period of rapid brain development. Children learn best through real-world experiences: play, movement, conversation, exploration, and relationships. These moments build language, social skills, emotional regulation and problem-solving abilities.

Screens don’t replace these experiences. They can’t respond to a child’s cues, read the room, or build a relationship the way a human can. When screen use starts to crowd out active play, face-to-face interaction, or sleep, that’s when it can impact development.

That said, screens themselves aren’t villains. It’s how, when, and why they’re used that makes the difference.

How Much Screen Time Is Recommended?

As a general guide for children under five:

• Under 18 months: Screen time is not recommended, aside from video chatting with family.
• 18 months to 2 years: Very limited screen time, ideally shared with an adult.
• 2–5 years: Up to one hour per day of high-quality, age-appropriate content, with an adult nearby to talk about what’s happening.

These are guidelines, not parenting report cards. Some days will look different to others, and that’s okay.

Quality Over Quantity

Not all screen time is created equal. Watching fast-paced, overstimulating content alone is very different from sitting with a parent to watch a short educational program and chatting about it together.

High-quality screen experiences are:

• Calm and age-appropriate
• Short and intentional
• Watched together when possible
• Followed by conversation, play or connection

Asking questions like “What did you see?” or “How do you think that character felt?” helps children make sense of what they’re watching and turns passive viewing into a shared experience.

The Role of Adults (That’s You)

Children learn screen habits by watching the adults around them. When phones are always present at the table, during play, or at bedtime, children notice. They learn what holds our attention.

Small changes can make a big difference, like:

• Putting phones away during meals
• Creating screen-free times or zones at home
• Modelling balance rather than perfection

It’s not about removing screens entirely, but showing children that they are one part of a rich, full day.

Signs Screen Time Might Be Too Much

Every child is different, but it may be worth reassessing screen use if you notice:

• Increased irritability or difficulty settling
• Less interest in imaginative or physical play
• Sleep disruptions
• Strong emotional reactions when screens are turned off

These signs aren’t about blame. They’re information. They help guide gentle adjustments that support your child’s wellbeing.

What We Focus On at Sesame Lane

At Sesame Lane, our days are intentionally designed around play, relationships, movement and meaningful learning. We prioritise hands-on experiences, social interaction, creativity and time outdoors. Screens are not a central part of our learning environments because we know young children thrive through connection and active exploration.

We also understand the realities of modern family life. Our role is to partner with families, not judge them. We aim to support children in developing healthy foundations that will serve them well as they grow in a digital world.

A Note About Photos, iPads and Being Present at Sesame Lane

At Sesame Lane, our educators do use iPads as a professional tool to capture learning moments, observations and progress over time. These photos help us tell the story of your child’s development and share meaningful insights with families. However, it’s important to understand that being behind a screen all day means an educator is not fully present with the children. While photos sent home via our Parent Portal are lovely, relationships, interactions and responsiveness matter most in the early years. Sometimes the most powerful learning moments happen when an educator is on the floor, in the sandpit, reading a child’s cues or supporting a big feeling. Moments that don’t always translate into a photo. We aim for a thoughtful balance: documenting learning while prioritising real connection, safety and engagement with your child throughout the day.

A Final Thought for Parents

You are doing your best in a busy, noisy, screen-filled world. Screen time doesn’t need to be perfect to be healthy. What matters most is the relationship, the conversations, the cuddles, the play, and the moments of presence you share with your child.

When children feel connected, safe and supported, the rest tends to fall into place.

At Sesame Lane, we’re here to walk alongside you as you navigate these early years, questions and all.

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