Parenting resources with sources · Ages 0–18
GuidelineEvidence: Official guidelineAges 0–18

Family Media Plan

Author or publisher American Academy of Pediatrics Published updated regularly Reviewed by eduStack editors Last checked 13 Nov 2026

1What parents should know

An online tool from the American Academy of Pediatrics for agreeing screen and device rules as a family.

2Sources and check record

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/fmp/Pages/MediaPlan.aspx American Academy of Pediatrics. Family Media Plan. Last checked · 13 Nov 2026

The research behind it

Start with the finding, then check the study type, source and limits. We select research by topic; a programme’s overall effect does not establish the effect of each activity.
  • Using data on more than 350,000 adolescents, the study found that digital technology use explained at most 0.4% of the variation in well-being - a negative but very small association on average.

    Large dataset analysisOrben & Przybylski, Nature Human Behaviour, 2019Study details
  • A meta-analysis of 42 studies. More screen use was linked to weaker language skills, while co-viewing with an adult and better-quality programmes were linked to stronger skills.

    Meta-analysisMadigan et al., JAMA Pediatrics, 2020Study details

Related

Guideline Evidence: Official guideline Ages 5–18
WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour

Recommends an average of 60 minutes a day of moderate to vigorous activity for ages 5–17, and limiting sedentary time, especially recreational screen time.

World Health Organization2020
Guideline Evidence: Official guideline Ages 0–6
Media and Young Minds (AAP policy statement)

Under 18 months, avoid screen media other than video chatting. From 18 to 24 months, choose high-quality programmes and watch together. From 2 to 5 years, limit to 1 hour a day of high-quality programmes.

AAP Council on Communications and Media, Pediatrics2016