The World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics both released separately their recommended daily screen time for children. 

Online learning
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The global pandemic has drastically changed things around us in a manner that we did not expect. Aside from the economic impact, the educational system is also affected. From the traditional in-person classes, the teaching and learning process now goes through modular and online. 

The paradigm shift in education has led to different problems. Aside from access to gadgets and a stable internet connection, parents recently raised concerns about their children's health due to their exposure to computer screens. 

In April 2019, the World Health Organization released the following daily screen time guidelines from infants to children aged four years old:

Infants (less than 1-year-old)

  • Should be physically active several times a day in various ways, particularly through interactive floor-based play; more is better. This includes at least 30 minutes in a prone position (tummy time) spread throughout the day while awake for those not yet mobile.
  • Not being restrained for more than 1 hour at a time (e.g., prams/ strollers, high chairs, or strapped on a caregiver's back). Screen time is not recommended. When sedentary, engaging in reading and storytelling with a caregiver is encouraged.
  • Have 14-17 hours (0-3 months of age) or 12-16 hours (4-11 months of age) of good quality sleep, including naps.

Children (1 to 2 years old)

  • Spend at least 180 minutes in various types of physical activities at any intensity, including moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity, spread throughout the day; more is better.
  • Not being restrained for more than 1 hour at a time (e.g., prams/ strollers, high chairs, strapped on a caregiver's back) or sitting for extended periods. For 1-year-olds, sedentary screen time (such as watching TV or videos, playing computer games) is not recommended. For those aged two years, sedentary screen time should be no more than 1 hour; less is better. When inactive, engaging in reading and storytelling with a caregiver is encouraged.
  • Have 11-14 hours of good quality sleep, including naps, with a regular bedtime and wake-up times.

Children (3 to 4 years old)

  • Spend at least 180 minutes in various types of physical activities at any intensity, of which at least 60 minutes in moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity spread throughout the day; more is better.
  • Not being restrained for more than 1 hour at a time (e.g., prams/ strollers) or sit for extended periods. Sedentary screen time should be no more than 1 hour; less is better. When inactive, engaging in reading and storytelling with a caregiver is encouraged.
  • Have 10-13 hours of good quality sleep, including a nap, with a regular bedtime and wake-up times.

The World Health Organization also added, "For the greatest health benefits, infants, and young children should meet all the recommendations for physical activity, sedentary behavior and sleep in 24 hours. Replacing restrained or sedentary screen time with more moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity, while preserving sufficient sleep, can provide additional health benefits."

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