Article Category: Highlights

A Pediatrician’s Guide for Parents on Children and Screen Time

Published on September 10, 2025

Last updated 08:43 AM September 10, 2025

A parent and young child look at a tablet together.

Dr. Joanna Dolgoff, Wellstar Children’s of Georgia pediatrician and author of the bestselling book “Red Light, Green Light, Eat Right,” uses her “no time, some time, never all the time” philosophy to provide families with guidance around screen time.

At nearly every wellness visit, Dr. Dolgoff talks with parents about how to set healthy limits with screen time. “We’re seeing language delays in children from too much screen time,” she explained.

Some signs that children may be spending too much time on social media, gaming or watching videos can include:

Aggression
Difficulty handling boredom without a screen
Trouble connecting with peers
Sleep disruption
Poor focus in school
Withdrawing from hobbies or activities they once enjoyed

Dr. Dolgoff’s advice? Parents should follow expert recommendations and know the difference between learning-focused content and pure entertainment. “You want to know what your kids are doing on their screens, and you want to know how long they’re doing it for,” she said.

Troubling trends in children’s media habits

Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization that advocates for children’s health in the digital age. Its most recent survey of the digital habits of children 8 and younger showed that by age 2, 40% of children have their own tablet. By age 4, that number climbs to 58%.

The survey also found that 1 in 5 children use mobile devices during meals, at bedtime or to cope with emotions.

Dr. Dolgoff stresses that parents must monitor and regulate their children’s digital use across all platforms. Yet the same survey shows gaps in how families co-view content: 62% of parents occasionally watched YouTube with their children, compared to only 17% on TikTok.

The survey also found that screen use varies by income. Children in lower-income households spend twice as much time on screens (3 hours, 48 minutes) as those in higher-income households (1 hour, 52 minutes).

Guidelines for screen time by age

As a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Dolgoff suggests that parents know and follow the organization’s screen time guidelines for children:

Under 18 months: No screen time
18 to 24 months: Only educational content with parents
2 to 5 years: No more than one hour per day
6 years and older: Balanced screen time that doesn’t interfere with family, friends and schoolwork

These guidelines are based on the science of children’s and adolescents’ brain development. abies’ brains begin developing before birth, and the early years of life have remarkably rapid brain development.

What do screen time limits look like?

According to Dr. Dolgoff, parents don’t need to worry if little ones under 18 months use screens for video chats with loved ones like grandparents. But she adds an important distinction: “Content matters. Mindlessly scrolling through TikTok videos is not what we want children doing for hours each day.”

Fortunately, children’s programming has expanded considerably since the parents of today were kids. YouTube Kids, PBS Kids, Netflix, Apple TV and other streaming services serve a variety of programs.

Here are some healthy screen time choices, along with suggested time limits:

Toddler (2 to 3 years): Video call with grandparents and 30 minutes of educational programming such as Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood or Sesame Street with parents watching
Elementary school (6 to 10 years): Homework on Chromebook or other platform and 30 minutes of YouTube Kids, unstructured outside play and bedtime stories
Teens (13 years and older): Homework time and no more than two hours of other screen use for gaming or socializing with friends

While watching shows or movies with children, parents can spark curiosity and critical thinking by asking open-ended questions such as:

“What do you think will happen next?”
“How would you feel if that happened to you?”
“Could this happen in real life?”
“How would you have made this better?”

Most importantly, parents should help children see screens as just one part of life—not a substitute for family time, active play or friendships.

Sound screen habits begin with parents

Young children develop social and communication skills by observing, listening, talking (babbling counts!), reading, singing and playing with parents, siblings and others. The American Academy of Pediatrics advocates that parents put down their phones so they can focus on those activities and interactions.

For help, parents can turn to apps designed to monitor their smartphone and tablet use. They can also examine their habits by asking themselves questions such as:

“Am I scrolling at the dinner table?”
“Am I texting while driving?”
“How much are my children watching me use my phone for entertainment?”
“Am I setting a good example by having hobbies and interests that don’t involve screens?”

Experts advise ways to set and enforce limits

The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and the American Academy of Pediatrics understand the temptations of screens and parents’ difficulty setting limits. Some of their advice for parents:

Avoid using screens as pacifiers, babysitters or to stop tantrums.
Create tech-free times, with extended breaks and tech-free zones, including the meal table.
Learn about and use parental controls on devices, including phones, tablets, laptops and televisions.
Make family outings technology-free—and that includes cameras.
Remove screens from bedrooms 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime.
Set a timer when using a device as a reminder to turn it off or put it away.

Tips for enforcing screen-time limits

It’s in children’s nature to resist when they don’t want to stop doing something pleasant or fun. It’s the parents’ job to stick to the limits they’ve set. Some more ideas for managing children’s reactions to screen-time limits include:

Have a designated “quiet spot” for younger children to calm down if they rage after time on a device is up.
Offer alternatives after a device is turned off. Those could include playing a board game, reading a book together, playing with a favorite toy or creating an art project.
Warn children before their time limit is up.

Resources for parents

The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry on screen time limits, music and music videos, video games, movie and video choice, and screen violence
Common Sense Media
Google and Apple content about online safety and parental controls
Healthychildren.org, a website of the American Academy of Pediatrics
know2protect, guidelines for protecting children online from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Back-to-school check list

Teaching your child healthy habits now will help them feel their best throughout the school year and beyond.

Check in for a check-up.

Preventative check-ups and screenings help kids stay ahead of health issues. During an annual wellness visit, our pediatricians will ensure your child is up to date on their vaccinations and talk to you about which immunizations are recommended to prevent disease. They will also help you navigate school health requirements.

“We believe in treating the whole child. What I mean by that is, of course, their physical health is very important, but we also feel that their emotional health is very important,” said Wellstar Children’s of Georgia Pediatrician Dr. Brandi Lewis. “Our goal is for all our patients to be resilient, happy and healthy.”

Eat healthy.

Teach children about good nutrition by encouraging them to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and limiting sugary drinks and snacks. When kids head back to school, keep them on the right track with healthy after-school snacks.

Stay hydrated and keep cool.

Make sure kids drink plenty of water to help their bodies regulate temperature. Summer athletes should drink up to 20 ounces before practice and 5 ounces every 15 minutes during the activity. On especially hot days, it’s also important to remind your children about moderation: They should take frequent breaks in shady areas, and make sure they don’t push themselves too hard.

“Kids can become dehydrated faster than adults,” said Dr. Eric Berg, Wellstar Children’s of Georgia medical director of pediatric surgical services. “If they’re already thirsty, they may already be mildly dehydrated.”

Move your body.

Children should have around 30 to 60 minutes of moderate activity every day. Staying active can be a fun family activity—ride bikes, play tag or go for a walk.

Get sports-ready.

Schedule your child’s sports physical before game day arrives. Their care team will check their heart, lungs and overall health so they can feel their best on and off the field.

“Sports physicals are important to screen for any underlying conditions that might put your child at increased risk versus some of their peers,” Dr. Berg said.

Catch some z’s.

Kids 3 to 5 years old should get about 10 to 13 hours of sleep a day. Children 6 to 12 years old should get nine to 12 hours, and teens need about 8 to 10 hours.

Practice good hygiene.

Show children how to wash their hands properly and remind them to do it frequently. Do not send your children to school if they are sick.

Wear backpacks properly.

Kids' backpacks should not weigh more than 10 to 15% of their body weight. For example, if your child weighs 60 pounds, their backpack should be under 6 to 9 pounds.

“A poorly fitted or overloaded backpack can place extra strain on a growing child's back, neck and shoulders,” said Wellstar Children’s of Georgia Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Albert Pendleton. “Watch for signs like shoulder pain, red strap marks or leaning forward while walking.”

Understand your emotions.

Emotional well-being is as important as physical health, and the new school year comes with a lot of change for kids. Help your child understand their feelings and how to cope by listening and validating their thoughts, talking through expectations, visiting their school and new classrooms, and looking ahead to what the year could be like.

With more than 80 pediatric locations across Georgia, Wellstar Children’s of Georgia is always here to support families through the big leaps, growing pains and everything in between. Find a pediatrician near you and book your child’s back-to-school exam so they can start the year strong.

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Highlights

When and Why to Visit the Pediatric Emergency Department

When your child experiences a medical emergency, you want them to have the care they need right away. At the five Wellstar Pediatric Emergency Departments (ED) at Wellstar Golisano Children’s Hospital of Georgia and Wellstar Cobb, Wellstar Douglas, Wellstar Kennestone and Wellstar Paulding Medical Centers, you’ll find expert treatment designed just for kids.

Why visit a Pediatric Emergency Department?

“We have a common saying in pediatric emergency medicine that ‘children aren’t just little adults.’ Children’s bodies and the health problems that affect them are very different from adults,” said Pediatric Emergency Physician Dr. Christopher Graves. “When you visit a pediatric ED, you can trust that your child is receiving age-appropriate evaluation and care.”

This can often mean finding a diagnosis through physical examinations and a thorough patient history with less reliance on invasive testing. When testing is needed, rest assured that your child’s care team has training in pediatric medicine and knows what tests and medications are needed to keep your child safe.

When should you go to the pediatric ED?

“If you feel your child is experiencing a life-threatening symptom such as trouble breathing, loss of consciousness, severe allergic reaction or bleeding that's hard to control, you should go to the ED or call 911. Remember to talk with your child's provider during your visits about when you should worry,” said Wellstar Pediatrician Dr. Sandra Rodriguez-Sfeir. “Some things are age-specific—like a temperature at 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or above in a baby under 2 months absolutely needs to go to the ED. Don't wait to see your pediatrician in the morning.”

There may also be urgent care centers in your area. Urgent care can be a great option for non-life-threatening conditions such as common colds, mild flu-like symptoms or earaches. Read more about where to go when your child isn’t feeling well.

“Some families struggle to decide whether they should go to an ED or urgent care. I have always told families—you are never wrong to come to a pediatric ED,” Dr. Graves said. “If you are worried about the life or safety of your child, you’ve come to the right place.”

Introducing your pediatric ED team

When you come to a pediatric ED, you will meet healthcare providers who have chosen to make children their focus. Our care teams know that children have unique needs based on their social and emotional development. Pediatric ED doctors, nurses and advanced practice providers have years of experience working with children, and they have learned how to approach children in a way that reduces their anxiety and fear. Acts as simple as examining a stuffed animal or blowing up a glove into a balloon can turn a crying child into a smiling child.

Doctors are only one part of the team. Pediatric ED nurses have expertise in administering medications, placing IVs and performing other bedside procedures. When these types of interventions are needed, you can trust that the nurses, medics and ED techs who help with these processes have abundant experience.

“Children are special and should be treated by nurses that specialize in their care. Emergency rooms can be a scary place for children and families,” said Jacqueline Rimer, a Wellstar pediatric emergency department nurse. “Wellstar pediatric nurses combine compassion and expertise to create an environment that reduces fear and anxiety while also providing quality, specialized care children and families deserve.”

Our child life specialists are trained to work directly with children and families to offer education, emotional support and distraction during procedures. Coming to the pediatric ED is tough for many kids, but having the right team can make things a little easier. That makes all the difference.

Find a Pediatric Emergency Department near you.

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Highlights

Summer Safety for Kids: What Parents Need to Know

Summer is a time for bike rides, pool days, sports camps, family vacations and long afternoons spent outdoors. A few simple precautions can help keep children safe and healthy.

From water safety and injury prevention to hydration, healthy screen time habits and knowing when to seek care, Wellstar Children’s of Georgia experts share practical tips to help your family make the most of summer.

By the water

Some of the best summer memories are made by the water—whether at the pool, lake or beach. But drowning can happen quickly and silently, so active adult supervision should always come first.

“Supervision is more than just being nearby. You have to be watching—not on your phone, not reading a book, not having a side conversation,” said Dr. Joanna Dolgoff, Wellstar Children's of Georgia pediatrician and spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics. “It's a good idea to designate one adult as the water watcher, and their only job is to keep eyes on the kids."

Swim lessons are an important part of water safety, but they never replace supervision. For boating and other water activities, children should also wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

After swimming, dry kids’ ears thoroughly and avoid cotton swabs to help prevent swimmer's ear—an infection of the outer ear canal caused by trapped moisture.

“Earwax helps protect against swimmer's ear. It fights bacteria,” said Dr. Eric Berg, medical director of pediatric surgical services and medical director of complex pediatric otolaryngology at Wellstar Children’s of Georgia. “Sometimes when people are overly aggressive with cleaning their ears, they make themselves more predisposed.”

On the move

Summer gives kids more opportunities to ride bikes, play sports and explore the playground. Pediatric specialists also see more orthopedic injuries this time of year, making a few simple safety habits crucial.

"Most importantly, helmets," said Dr. Berg. "If they're riding a scooter, bicycle or skateboard, a properly fitted helmet can dramatically reduce the risk of serious head injury. The other piece that’s critical is parents modeling the behavior.”

Trampolines, monkey bars and climbing equipment are common sources of fractures and sprains, particularly when kids become fatigued. Supervise your child closely and offer plenty of breaks during active play.

At the same time, remember that some risk is a natural part of growing up.

"Kids have to learn their boundaries and what they’re capable of,” Dr. Berg said. "However, if they’re doing something that seems to put them in extreme danger, obviously intervene and redirect.”

Under the sun

Georgia's summer heat doesn't have to slow kids down—but staying ahead of it can help keep them safe.

“We have to be vigilant about making sure our children are staying hydrated and giving them breaks from the sun, particularly during the peak hours of the early afternoon,” Dr. Berg said.

Apply sunscreen before going outside and offer water frequently—even before kids ask for it.

"You don't want to wait until your child says, 'I'm thirsty,' because at that point they may already be getting dehydrated," Dr. Dolgoff said.

Heat can also make playground equipment, pavement and parked cars dangerously hot. Check outdoor surfaces before play and never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.

Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, including heavy sweating, weakness, headache, nausea or dizziness. If your child develops signs of heatstroke, such as confusion, loss of consciousness or a temperature above 104 degrees, call 911 immediately.

At home

Summer break often means later bedtimes and more flexibility, but healthy routines still matter.

"It's not about banning screens altogether—it's about finding the right balance," Dr. Dolgoff said. "The key is making sure screen time doesn't crowd out the things kids really need, like sleep, physical activity, reading, family time and social connections.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends creating a family media plan with age-appropriate expectations, including screen-free times during meals and for at least an hour before bedtime.

"Instead of focusing on cutting out screen time, focus on cutting in other activities," Dr. Dolgoff said.

Summer is also a great time to reinforce healthy eating habits. Make water the drink of choice, limit sugary beverages and keep washed, ready-to-eat fruits and vegetables within easy reach.

"One of the biggest reasons kids' diets suffer is because they don't have that routine, and summer is like a free-for-all," Dr. Dolgoff said. "Keeping a consistent schedule and sitting down together for meals is really important during the summer."

Around town

Backyard barbecues, concerts and community festivals are some of summer's favorite traditions. Knowing what to watch for can help keep the focus on making memories.

If you're preparing fish, remove bones carefully before serving children and use caution when cleaning grills with wire brushes.

"Bristles can dislodge and cause big problems if they get hidden in a hamburger and eaten," Dr. Berg said.

Use insect repellent, perform tick checks after outdoor play and practice good hand hygiene and safe food handling to help prevent other common summer illnesses.

At fireworks shows and concerts, consider using earplugs or noise-reducing headphones and keep a safe distance from speakers and fireworks. Remember that children should never handle fireworks, including sparklers, which can cause serious burns and eye injuries.

"Do not underestimate the danger of sparklers," Dr. Dolgoff said. "Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to melt some metals.”

When something doesn't feel right

Even with the best preparation, bumps, bruises and illnesses happen. Knowing where to go for care can help your child get the right treatment quickly. Wellstar offers expert pediatric care through urgent care, emergency care and primary care locations across Georgia.

Most scrapes, cuts, sprains and minor fractures can be treated at an urgent care center. More serious injuries—including severe fractures, large cuts, eye injuries and head injuries involving loss of consciousness or confusion—should be evaluated in an emergency department.

“Concussions can sometimes take 24 to 72 hours to really start to show themselves,” said Dr. Berg. “If your child isn’t acting like themselves, it might be appropriate to check with your pediatrician.”

Fortunately, most children recover well from minor summer injuries and illnesses. But no one knows your child better than you do.

“Kids are remarkably able to heal themselves and recover,” Dr. Berg said. “But be conscious and aware—trust your mom or dad instincts that if something seems off, don't hesitate to get it checked out.”

Learn more about pediatric care at Wellstar Children’s of Georgia and find a pediatric expert near you.

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A Pediatrician’s Guide for Parents on Children and Screen Time