HIOPS for Screen Time Limits

What to know

Embedding high-impact obesity prevention standards (HIOPS) into policies and activities in early care and education settings can affect the health and well-being of millions of young children. Of 47 HIOPS, these four support screen time limits.

Teacher playing game outside at a table with six young children.

Screen time limits

Of 47 HIOPS, these four support screen time limits in early care and education settings. These HIOPS were developed in 2010 as a way to uniformly improve obesity prevention practices in early care and education settings across states.

  • Do not utilize media viewing (TV, video, and DVD) and computers with children younger than 2 years.
  • Limit total media time for children 2 and older to not more than 30 minutes weekly.
  • Use screen media with children ages 2 years and older only for educational purposes or physical activity.
  • Do not utilize TV, video, or DVD viewing during meal or snack time.

Learn more

State Licensing Scorecards

Caring for Our Children: National Health and Safety Performance Standards Guidelines for Early Care and Education Programs, 4th ed., 2019

Origin of Achieving a State of Healthy Weight: High-Impact Obesity Prevention Standards, updated September 18, 2020

Preventing Childhood Obesity in Early Care and Education Programs, 2nd ed., 2012

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Content Source:
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP)