At a glance
- A useful media plan considers the child, content, calming, activities crowded out and communication: the AAP’s five Cs. Minutes alone cannot describe quality or impact. Protect sleep, movement, learning and face-to-face connection.
- Choose suitable content together, turn off autoplay and notifications, and agree screen-free meals and bedtime routines. Adults should follow the plan too. Review privacy, purchases and contacts. Revisit the plan as the child develops; avoid using a timer as the only measure of success.
- Seek help when media use repeatedly disrupts sleep, school or relationships, or when bullying, frightening content or unsafe contact occurs. Respond calmly so the child can tell you what happened; threats of immediate harm require urgent assistance.
- Note the pattern below and bring your questions and current medicines to the visit. This record does not diagnose or choose treatment.
- This guide organizes warning signs; it cannot rule out illness. Follow the child’s clinician and local guidance.
What this can mean
A useful media plan considers the child, content, calming, activities crowded out and communication: the AAP’s five Cs. Minutes alone cannot describe quality or impact. Protect sleep, movement, learning and face-to-face connection.
Practical next steps
Choose suitable content together, turn off autoplay and notifications, and agree screen-free meals and bedtime routines. Adults should follow the plan too. Review privacy, purchases and contacts. Revisit the plan as the child develops; avoid using a timer as the only measure of success.
Notice, act, reassess
- Content, context, sleep/play displaced, family rule and next review
- Choose suitable content together, turn off autoplay and notifications, and agree screen-free meals and bedtime routines. Adults should follow the plan too. Review privacy, purchases and contacts. Revisit the plan as the child develops; avoid using a timer as the only measure of success.
- Seek help when media use repeatedly disrupts sleep, school or relationships, or when bullying, frightening content or unsafe contact occurs. Respond calmly so the child can tell you what happened; threats of immediate harm require urgent assistance.
When to seek help
Seek help when media use repeatedly disrupts sleep, school or relationships, or when bullying, frightening content or unsafe contact occurs. Respond calmly so the child can tell you what happened; threats of immediate harm require urgent assistance.
Call local emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, blue/gray lips, collapse, a seizure with failure to recover, or a child who is very difficult to wake. Do not delay to complete this tool.
A baby younger than 3 months with a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher needs urgent medical assessment, even if they look well. Do not delay assessment to try medicine or complete a diary.
Prepare for the visit
Note the pattern below and bring your questions and current medicines to the visit. This record does not diagnose or choose treatment.
- Content, context, sleep/play displaced, family rule and next review
Common questions
What does this pattern mean?
A useful media plan considers the child, content, calming, activities crowded out and communication: the AAP’s five Cs. Minutes alone cannot describe quality or impact. Protect sleep, movement, learning and face-to-face connection.
What can families do next?
Choose suitable content together, turn off autoplay and notifications, and agree screen-free meals and bedtime routines. Adults should follow the plan too. Review privacy, purchases and contacts. Revisit the plan as the child develops; avoid using a timer as the only measure of success.
When should we seek medical help?
Seek help when media use repeatedly disrupts sleep, school or relationships, or when bullying, frightening content or unsafe contact occurs. Respond calmly so the child can tell you what happened; threats of immediate harm require urgent assistance.
What should I write down?
Content, context, sleep/play displaced, family rule and next review
Sources
Written for Pedemy in our own words from the sources above; checked October 2026. For education only, not medical advice. Pedemy is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by the organizations cited.