According to the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, which statement about media use is correct?

• A. It should not interfere with parent-child interaction
• B. It should be used to calm a child
• C. It should be avoided 1 hour before bedtime
• D. It should be unlimited in length

Answer: (C)

Timing matters for media use. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping screens out of the hour before bedtime to support easier sleep onset and better sleep quality. Blue light from devices can delay melatonin release, and the arousal from content can make it harder for children to wind down. When media is used, it’s best to choose high-quality, age-appropriate content and view it with a caregiver to turn it into an interactive learning experience rather than a solo, passive activity. Using media to calm a child or letting screen time be unlimited in length conflicts with these guidelines, which emphasize limits and routine. So, avoiding media in the hour before bedtime aligns with the guidelines.