The Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School’s online Digital Wellness Guide is designed to provide parents and caregivers with information and guidance based on clinical evidence and scientific research. In it, they discuss both the benefits and risks of digital media use and provide recommendations for navigating and supporting healthy media use by children from birth through young adulthood.
Birth to Preschool (Ages 0-5)
The early years of life are marked by tremendous growth and development, with young children learning about the world primarily through play, exploration, and close interactions with caregivers. After the age of two, digital media can be a helpful tool when used thoughtfully, but it should never take the place of vital activities like hands-on learning, imaginative play, and quality time with family. Research shows that young children benefit most from screen time when it’s intentional, age-appropriate, and shared with a trusted adult. Whether watching a short educational video together or exploring an interactive storybook app, co-viewing allows you to guide your child’s understanding and deepen your bond.
Balancing the use of digital devices with other important aspects of childhood, such as physical activity and sleep, is critical at this stage. Establishing screen-free routines — like unplugged family meals or keeping devices out of bedrooms — can create healthy boundaries early on, making it easier for children to understand that screens are just one part of life.
See the Birth to Preschool (Ages 0-5) section of the guide to learn more about developmental milestones, best practices, recommendations, helpful links, and more.
Grade School to Tween (Ages 6-12)
As children enter middle childhood, their curiosity grows, and their world begins to expand beyond home and family. During this stage, technology often becomes a bigger part of their lives, from educational tools at school to games, apps, and social interactions at home. This increased exposure presents an excellent opportunity to help children develop responsible and intentional habits with technology. Setting clear family guidelines, such as agreed-upon screen time limits or device-free zones, can provide structure while encouraging balance between digital and offline activities.
This is also a time when children start to build independence, so actively involving them in discussions about technology use is key. For example, you might explore educational apps or games together, empowering them to make productive choices while still feeling supported. At the same time, open communication about online safety becomes increasingly important. Teaching kids how to recognize inappropriate content, avoid oversharing personal information, and respond to uncomfortable situations helps them navigate the digital world with confidence.
Go to the Grade School to Tween (Ages 6-12) section of the guide to learn more about best practices, recommendations, additional resources, helpful links, and more.
Teen to Young Adult (Ages 13-22)
Adolescence is a transformative period of growth, exploration, and identity formation, and for most teens, technology is deeply integrated into their daily lives. From social media to online learning platforms, digital tools provide opportunities for self-expression, connection, and discovery. However, this stage also introduces new challenges, including managing social pressures, navigating misinformation, and striking a balance between screen time and other priorities. As teens gain more independence, it’s important to strike a balance in your approach — providing guidance while respecting their growing autonomy.
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One way to do this is by maintaining open lines of communication about their online experiences. Initiate conversations about topics like cyberbullying, digital privacy, and the potential effects of social media on self-esteem, helping teens think critically about what they encounter online. Rather than imposing strict rules, involve them in creating family guidelines for technology use. Adolescents are more likely to follow boundaries they feel are fair and collaboratively developed, and these discussions can foster trust and mutual respect.
Read the Teen to Young Adult (Ages 13-22) section of the guide to learn more about best practices, recommendations, additional resources, helpful links, and more.
Excerpted from the Family Digital Wellness Guide from Boston Children’s Hospital. Read the entire guide online to learn about best practices and read the recommendations for healthy digital content consumption.
Source: Boston Children’s Hospital | Family Digital Wellness Guide, https://digitalwellnesslab.org/family-digital-wellness-guide | ©2025 Boston Children’s Hospital. Retrieved March, 2025.
