What Is the Ideal Phone Usage Time for Kids? And How to Limit It?

There is an ideal phone usage time for children. Excessive phone usage without restrictions can lead to various negative effects. In this article, we will explore in detail the ideal phone usage time for kids and how to limit their screen time effectively. By reading this article, you will be able to manage your child's phone usage within the ideal time.

1 What Is the Ideal Phone Usage Time?

First, let's take a closer look at the ideal phone screen time for kids per day and the potential negative effects of excessive phone usage.

What Should Be the Ideal Phone Usage Time?

The ideal phone usage time for kids is approximately 2 hours per day. However, a survey shows that 1 in 3 children currently use their phones for more than 3 hours a day. The number of children using phones for long periods is increasing significantly.

What's the Cell Phone Usage in School?

In recent years, the use of cell phones in schools has become increasingly common. A 2023 study conducted by Common Sense Media found that 97% of teen participants use their phones during school hours.

Research also suggests that students often use their phones for activities unrelated to their studies, such as social media or games. Certainly, smartphone usage at school varies by school policies.

What Happens When Phone Usage is Excessive?

Excessive phone usage can lead to the following negative effects on children:

When children use their phones too much, they are at high risk of developing phone addiction. They may feel they cannot get through the day without their phone, constantly checking posts on multiple social media apps. This leads to an inability to put the phone down.

Excessive phone usage can also lead to a decline in academic performance, as the constant distraction makes it difficult for kids to focus on their studies. Limiting phone usage is essential to help them concentrate on their studies. Furthermore, prolonged phone usage can cause physical issues such as vision deterioration and sleep disorders.

2 3 Ways to Limit Phone Usage

Given the above trends, it's important to discuss the ideal phone usage time for young smartphone users. Limiting cell phone usage in school is crucial for maintaining focus and maximizing learning outcomes. Here are different methods to do so.

Method 1: Limiting iPhone Usage with Screen Time

If your child is using an iPhone, you can utilize Screen Time to restrict usage. Here's how:

Method 2: Limiting Android Usage with Digital Wellbeing

Google's Digital Wellbeing is another tool for limiting Android phone usage. Here's how to set it up:

Method 3: Limiting Children's Phone Usage with AirDroid Parental Control

The most recommended way to limit phone usage for children is by using AirDroid Parental Control, an app specifically designed to ensure safe phone usage for kids.