Screen time guidelines for kids and adolescents have shifted as research paints a more nuanced picture

Studies increasingly show that how kids are using screens is more important than the exact amount of time they’re spending on them – and parents and caregivers tend to know what’s best for their families.

By: Gabriel E. Hales, Michigan State University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: July 17, 2026

Words: 1,428

Last Updated: 2 days, 9 hours ago

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By Gabriel E. Hales, Michigan State University

Concerns surrounding young people’s screen time are widespread.

Australia became the first country to ban social media for users under 16 in December 2025, and Denmark, France and the U.K. have since announced similar restrictions to begin this year.

In the U.S., as of mid-2026, more than 30 states have passed laws banning or restricting cellphones in K–12 classrooms; in 2023, the U.S. …

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