Screens · Health · Family
Screen Timeby Age
About
"How much screen time per day for my child?" This is one of the most frequently asked questions by Quebec parents.
Here's a clear guide, based on official recommendations, with a table by age and a concrete method to apply them without daily battles.
Guidelines
Recommendations by Age
| Age | Recreational Screen Time |
|---|---|
| Under 2 years | No screen time |
| 2 to 4 years | Less than 1 hour per day |
| 5 to 17 years | Less than 2 hours per day |
Source: Government of Quebec and INSPQ.
The Simple Rule
3 · 6 · 9 · 12
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03
Before 3 years
Avoid screens: toddlers need real interactions to develop.
-
06
Before 6 years
No personal game console. Free and physical play remains a priority.
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09
Before 9 years
Internet only with a parent, never alone.
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12
Before 12 years
Internet alone with caution and a clear framework established within the family.
"How much" matters less than "how."MDC Alliance · Raising Standards
Frequently Asked Questions
We Answer
How much screen time according to age?
None before 2 years old, less than 1 hr/day from 2 to 4 years old, less than 2 hrs/day of recreational screen time for 5 to 17 year olds.
What is the 3-6-9-12 rule?
No screens before 3 years old, no console before 6, internet with supervision before 9, internet alone with caution before 12.
Do screens harm sleep?
Yes, turn them off at least 1 hour before bedtime.
How to enforce the limit without a tantrum?
Decide together beforehand, announce the end 5 minutes in advance, plan an activity afterwards.
Sources
References
- National Institute of Public Health of Quebec (INSPQ) · Screens in the Family
- Naître et grandir · Managing Screens
- 3-6-9-12 Rule · inspired by psychiatrist Serge Tisseron.
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