Screen Time For Kids: What Are The Limits?

Author Shawn Tempesta

September 27th 5:23 PM

It is way too easy to throw a screen in front of your child to survive. But screen time for kids should really be monitored.

OK, let’s be real here: parents these days are busier than ever. I am living it right now. Between work, keeping the house from looking like a tornado hit, and trying to maintain a social life (ha!), it’s tempting to just hand your kid a tablet and get some peace. But the debate over screen time for kids is definitely there, especially with a co-parenting situation where there are differing approaches. Trust me, I am feeling that right now.

Thankfully while I am not smart, there are several sources from pediatricians to scientists who study the brains of kids and what we should (and shouldn’t) be doing. So, let’s tackle it.

2 and Under: Unless It’s Big Bird, Probably Not

For the teeny little ones, screen time for kids should be as rare as a full night’s sleep. Experts suggest avoiding screens altogether for this age group. Obviously, you’re going to have them watch something, but make it thoughtful and lively like Sesame Street, and not some random YouTube video you haven’t vetted.

Babies’ brains are developing at warp speed, and they need to be stimulated by real-life experiences, not flashing lights and catchy jingles. Trust me, no app is going to teach them how to stack blocks or say their first word better than you can. We know you have to finish that thing for work, but your kid needs you.

2-5 Years Old: And It Begins…

Ah, the preschool years, where curiosity and tantrums are at an all-time high. For this age group, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends you ramp up to no more than one hour of screen time per day. Again, the good stuff, not a video of some gamer trying to see how far a cadaver flies out of a car in Grand Theft Auto – yeah that exists.

Here’s an idea… maybe have the kids get outside and get some physical activity (if it isn’t scorching hot), get creative play like Duplo or Lego and face-to-face interactions.

5-12 Years Old: And It Continues…

School-aged kids are tricky because they’re now using screens for educational purposes, right? Sure, but it’s still crucial to set boundaries. The general guideline is to ramp it up to two hours per day of recreational screen time. Maybe less when it comes to school nights.

Obviously homework doesn’t count, so you can breathe a sigh of relief there. But at this point your kids are meeting other kids and learning about games. Let them play (supervised of course, never in a room away from you) but use the parent monitoring built into the operating system to cut it off.

Teenagers: The Ultimate Test of Willpower

Teenagers and screens are like peanut butter and jelly; they just go together. But even here, limits are essential. The recommended screen time for kids in this age group is still under two hours of recreational use daily. I’ll wait for you to stop laughing.

Yeah, it is tough to get your kid to do this. This time is more focused on making sure they are getting “well fed” on that phone you bought them and not droning away watching an algorithm that makes them feel terrible.

Sure, they might roll their eyes at you, but one day they’ll thank you. That’s how I’m handling it with my 5 and 7 year old, but we’ll see how this holds up when they reach those teenage years.

Less Screen Time For Kids Means Less Screen Time For You

In the end, managing screen time for kids is all about balance and setting a good example. If they see you glued to your phone, they’ll want to do the same. So, mom and/or dad, maybe be that guiding light. Put the phone down. Be a parent. They will grow up way too fast and you will regret playing Candy Crush over playing patty cake.

For people “of a certain age”, you remember what it was like before screens and the internet took over our lives. Give your kid an opportunity to live that reality too.

Shawn Tempesta is the co-host of Aimee+Shawn on 102.7 VGS in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is also an Emmy award nominated television host. As a content creator for 102.7 VGS, Shawn writes about current events, education, funny and trending stories.

Las Vegas Parents! Entertain Your Kids Cheap With This Pass

“Dad, I’m bored.” “Mom, can we do something fun.” We’ve all been there, parents. Trying to keep these kids entertained can be tough. Well… a listener tipped us off to a hack that will have any Las Vegas family freed from the chains of boredom for an entire year! It’s called Pogo Pass.

Why all Las Vegas Parents should look into Pogo Pass

We are always skeptics when it comes to “too good to be true” deals, but Valerie swears by it. Our listener reached out to us and gave us the tip of a lifetime. Pogo Pass is a pass of passes for things your kid would love to do! Each pass costs $99.98… which when you see the list of things you get, pays for itself pretty quickly. But if you use this link (it’s Shawn’s refer-a-friend link) you’ll get 50% off your pass. That means you get it all for $50. Steal.

Now of course your ears perk up and say “this sounds like a scam,” and we thought so too. But Las Vegas parents rave about it. There are even Pogo Passes for other cities around the country.

This is sort of like the San Diego “Go Pass,” but instead of a few days worth of savings, you’re set for 365 of them!

What does the Pogo Pass get you?

The list is actually laughably long, considering you’ve probably done these things before.

First things first, chances are you’re bound to take the kids to the water park at least once this year. This pass gets you 1 visit a year to either Cowabunga Bay in Henderson or Cowabunga Canyon in the southwest. That alone can cost $35 for a kid or $50 for an adult. So if you used the link we gave you, and saved $50, you’re pretty much breaking even at this point. What a score!

What else is on the list? We’ve got it right here… just know it could change at any moment.

Las Vegas Aviators
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 13: (L-R) Catcher Cameron Rupp #37 of the Las Vegas Aviators, chef Giada De Laurentiis and hitting coach Eric Martins of the Aviators pose on the field during her celebrity chef appearance.

Batter up! Your Pogo Pass will get you (1) ticket for (2) select games. There are multiple dates through September on the website. You just need to make sure you register for your ticket on time. Registration opens 2 weeks before game day, and closes 48 hours prior (depending on availability). This is among the most complicated tickets to use, the rest are simple.
Battle Blast Laser Tag
Family playing Laser Tag

Located on West Sahara and Cimarron, Battle Blast is just that… a blast! Your kid (or the kid in you) will get (1) free game each year. But Pogo Pass holders also get additional games on that day for $5 each, which is nearly half off! Not too shabby.
Bowling (Gold Coast, Orleans, Sam's Town, Suncoast)
Person bowling to pick up a spare.

This might be the best deal in the entire package. The pass gets you (1) game of bowling per month at each Boyd Gaming property that has bowling. That means one game a month at Gold Coast, The Orleans, Sam’s Town and Suncoast. You can legit go bowling every week for the entire year. That’s enough reason to buy your own ball and shoes.
Bouncy World Indoor Bounce Playland
Kids in a bounce house, how can you go wrong?!

A place we’ve gone often is Bouncy World, which is on Blue Diamond behind Dutch Bros. and Lee’s Discount Liquor (which one to visit depends on how you’re feeling that day). There are some bounce houses, a climby maze thing, a little arcade and more. The pass gets you (1) day at Bouncy World! And we mean the whole day, you can go in and out the whole day.
Discovery Children's Museum
Nothing like a trip to the children’s museum…

The Discovery Children’s Museum is guaranteed to be a great day with the little ones. Their annual pass isn’t too bad! $85 gets two in all year long. But if you’re the “one visit a year” type, this is up your alley. That’s what you’ll get… (1) visit to the museum for your Pogo Pass year.
Las Vegas Lights
We believe that we will win!

Much like the Las Vegas Aviators deal, the Las Vegas Lights FC soccer team will let you in for (2) games for the season! Also, much like the Aviators deal, you need to pre-plan. Registration for limited dates opens two weeks before that game’s date and closes 48 hours before.
Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix
Who will take the checkered flag?

Pogo Pass holders will get (2) visits to the Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix. You’ll get (1) ride ticket and (20) game tokens each visit. If you’re looking for a more solid amount of time, you can trade your ride ticket and tokens for a 1 hour wrist band for $16 (half off). There are a couple caveats (can’t use the new adult grand prix ride) but still it’s an awesome value!
Lost Worlds Myth & Magic
Lords and ladies, have fun!

OK this place looks fun! Over 30,000 square feet of fun at Horizon Ridge and Stephanie in Henderson. This includes (1) visit for (1) hour of unlimited VIP Play (which doesn’t include the arcade or bowling they have there). There’s an inner tube slide, a massive ball pit, laser tag (again, nice!), a ninja warrior course and a BUNCH more. You can even upgrade your visit to a 3 hour pass for an extra $10.

The only rub? They require you to use their — likely rubber studded — socks. $3.95 for a pair. Hey. What do you want.
Nevada Climbing Centers
Like Miley said… it’s the climb.

For the kid that likes to climb everything, check out Nevada Climbing Centers. They are located at Patrick and McLeod and your Pogo Pass gets you (3) visits to the joint! It doesn’t include equipment rental (that’ll cost $8)… but you saved $14-18 entering the place!
SeaQuest
Unda da sea… unda da sea…

Nothing like a trip to the aquarium! SeaQuest inside the Boulevard Mall will let you in for (1) visit yearly on your Pogo Pass!
Uptown Jungle Fun Park
Get your jump on!

This is another great deal! Uptown Jungle Fun Park has two locations (Las Vegas and Henderson), and this will give you (2) 1 hour jump sessions to either of them. You’ll need some rubber or silicone footed socks otherwise, you’ll have to buy some. Maybe visit Lost Worlds first, and bring the socks you bought from there.
Velocity eSports
AWSD your way to victory!

Located at Town Square (the old Gameworks), Velocity eSports will allow you in for (1) hour of unlimited arcade play or (1) hour of unlimited console or PC gaming. You’ll need to buy a $3 rechargeable game card if you don’t have one already. Plus if you’d like another hour while you’re there, they’ll give it to you for another $15. Not bad for an hour at the arcade!