How Much Screen Time Is OK for Learning Games?
There's no single magic number for screen time. What matters most is a child's age, what they're doing on the screen, and whether screen use is crowding out sleep, physical activity, play, reading and time together. Short sessions of good-quality learning games can be a useful part of a balanced day, but they work best as a supplement to real-world learning, not a replacement for it.
What health experts suggest
Major health bodies have published general guidance, mostly for younger children:
- World Health Organization (WHO): its 2019 guidelines recommend no sedentary screen time for children under 2, and no more than one hour a day for children aged 2 to 4, with less being better.
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): has suggested limiting screen use for children aged 2 to 5 to about one hour a day of high-quality programming, ideally watched or played with a parent, and setting consistent limits for children 6 and older.
Guidance is reviewed from time to time and may differ in your country, so it's worth checking your national health service or your child's doctor for the latest advice. For school-age children, most guidance focuses less on an exact number of minutes and more on making sure screens don't push out the things children need.
Not all screen time is the same
An hour of passive video watching is different from ten minutes of practising times tables, and different again from a video call with grandparents. It can help to think about screen use in a few broad types:
| Type | Examples | Things to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Active learning | Maths, spelling and reading games | Best in short, focused bursts at the right level |
| Creative | Drawing apps, making music, coding | Can be valuable, still needs balance |
| Social | Video calls with family | Usually treated differently from other screen use |
| Passive | Videos, autoplay, endless scrolling | Easiest to overdo, so worth setting clear limits |
How long should a learning game session be?
For practising skills like times tables, spelling or number bonds, short and frequent beats long and occasional. Five to fifteen minutes is usually plenty for primary-age children, and shorter sessions suit younger children. Spreading practice across the week helps children remember more than cramming it into one sitting. That's why our games use quick rounds, and why the Daily Maths Challenge is just ten questions a day.
Signs of a high-quality learning game
- It practises a specific skill and gives clear feedback.
- It has levels so your child can be challenged without being overwhelmed.
- It has natural stopping points, rather than encouraging endless play.
- It doesn't push in-app purchases or show distracting adverts aimed at children.
- It respects privacy and doesn't require a child to share personal information.
Practical tips for healthy habits
- Play together sometimes, especially with younger children. Talking about the game adds a lot of value.
- Set a routine, such as one learning game after homework, rather than negotiating every time.
- Use a timer or a set number of rounds so the end point is clear.
- Keep screens out of bedtime. Many families find switching off an hour before bed helps children settle.
- Balance with off-screen learning: board games, reading, cooking, building and outdoor play all build skills too.
- Model it yourself. Children notice how the adults around them use screens.
Trust your judgement
You know your child best. If screen use is leaving them tired, irritable or reluctant to do other things, cut back. If a short daily game is helping them feel more confident with maths or reading, that's a good sign it has a place in their week. If you have concerns about your child's screen use, sleep or development, talk to your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
How much screen time is recommended for children?
The WHO recommends no sedentary screen time for children under 2 and no more than one hour a day for children aged 2 to 4. The AAP has suggested about one hour a day of high-quality content for ages 2 to 5 and consistent limits for children 6 and older.
Do educational games count as screen time?
Yes, but many experts distinguish between types of screen use. Short, focused learning games are generally seen as more valuable than passive watching, as long as overall screen use stays balanced.
How long should my child play learning games each day?
For most primary-age children, five to fifteen minutes of focused practice is plenty. Short, regular sessions help children remember more than long, occasional ones.