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Screen time: the Australian guidelines by age

What the national movement guidelines recommend, and how to make screens work for your family.

Health & safety · 3 min read · Updated November 2026

Under 2

The Australian 24-hour movement guidelines recommend no screen time for children under 2, apart from video calls with family.

2 to 5 years

Aim for no more than one hour of sitting screen time a day. Less is better, and watching together helps children learn from what they see.

5 to 17 years

Aim for no more than two hours of recreational screen time a day, not counting schoolwork.

Make a plan together

Agree where and when screens are used, keep devices out of bedrooms at night and model the habits you want to see.

General information only, checked against Australian government and peak-body sources. Talk to your GP, midwife or child health nurse about your situation.

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