Not All Screen Time Is Equal: Why Routines Matter More Than Minutes
The problem with counting minutes
Parents are often told to limit screen time to a certain number of minutes a day. But research shows that this approach does not tell the full story. Two children can watch the same amount, yet the effects on their mood, sleep and behaviour can be completely different. According to the Paediatrics & Child Health review “Screen time and preschool children: Promoting health and development in a digital world” (2023), what truly shapes young children’s digital habits is the routine around screen use, not the exact number of minutes watched.
Why routines matter more
Young children rely on predictable daily rhythms. Routines help them know what to expect, manage emotions and switch between activities. When routines are stable, screen time fits more smoothly into the day. When routines break down, the risks increase. The research explains that screens become harmful mainly when they replace essential parts of a child’s day – especially sleep, active play and family interaction. It is not the screen itself, but what the child is missing instead.
The routine most at risk: sleep
Sleep is where screen time causes the biggest problems. Studies show that evening or bedtime screen use can:
● delay falling asleep
● shorten total sleep
● cause more night-time awakenings
● make children overstimulated when they need to wind down
This does not mean screens must be banned. It simply means they should stay outside the bedtime routine. A calm, predictable evening is more important than the exact number of minutes watched earlier in the day.
Why co-viewing changes everything
One of the strongest findings in the research is the value of co-viewing. When a parent watches together with a young child:
● learning improves
● language skills grow
● children stay calmer
● transitions are easier
● overstimulation is reduced
Co-viewing turns screen time into a shared, social experience instead of passive consumption. Even short moments of watching together can make a big difference.
The trouble with overstimulation
Preschoolers process sensory information very intensely. Fast or highly stimulating content can overwhelm them. This may lead to:
● irritability
● hyperactivity
● difficulty calming
● emotional outbursts
Slow, predictable content is easier for children to handle and fits naturally into a stable routine.
What really causes harm: displacement
The report highlights a central mechanism: displacement. Screens become harmful when they replace:
● sleep
● outdoor movement
● free play
● face-to-face interaction
● imagination and boredom (which are essential for development)
The goal is not to remove screens. It is to protect the activities that support healthy growth.
Practical steps that help
Parents do not need strict daily limits. Instead, small, consistent habits help screen time fit into the day in a healthy way.
1. Protect sleep
Keep screens out of the evening routine and out of bedrooms.
2. Use screens intentionally
Choose when and what to watch, instead of using screens reactively in stressful moments.
3. Co-view when possible
Even short shared sessions improve learning and behaviour.
4. Choose calm, predictable content
This reduces overstimulation.
5. Avoid using screens as the main soothing method
Children need human interaction to learn emotional skills.
6. Keep key daily routines stable
Meals, active play, outdoor time and independent play should remain reliable parts of the day.
7. Create simple screen rituals
Predictable patterns – such as “one episode after snack time” – reduce conflict and make transitions easier.
Final thought
Screens are not the enemy. The real challenge is when digital use replaces the daily experiences children need to grow: sleep, movement, play, imagination and connection. By focusing on routines instead of minutes, families can build healthier and more peaceful digital habits.