What the Heck Is Screen Time Anyway?

If you’ve ever yelled, “That’s enough screen time!” without actually knowing how much screen time there was—hi, you’re my people.

Let’s break it down.

Screen time is exactly what it sounds like: the amount of time your child spends staring at a screen. That includes tablets, phones, computers, TVs, game consoles, smart fridges (yes, really)—basically anything with a glowing rectangle.

There are three types to know:

1. Passive Screen Time: Watching shows, videos, or movies. Great for downtime, but not super interactive.

2. Interactive Screen Time: Playing games, video chatting with Grandma, or using educational apps. More engaging, but still needs limits.

3. Background Screen Time: When the TV is just on while your kid plays. (Also known as “Mom needed to fold laundry.”)

Not all screen time is created equal, but too much of any type can mess with sleep, mood, focus, and your ability to ever find the TV remote again.

That’s why The Kid Guard helps you figure out what’s healthy for your kid’s age, how to monitor it, and how to set up easy tech boundaries that won’t start a civil war at dinner.

And yes, I can even help you set that iPad timer without crying.