Information from - https://www.healthinfo.org.nz/index.htm?screen-time-strategies.htm

Computers, smartphones, and even TV and computer games, can be great resources to help your children learn new things, have exciting experiences, and give you a break.

But it's important that parents know what their children and teenagers are watching, both online and on television, and make sure it's age-appropriate (start by checking the classification ratings).

The amount of time your child or teenager spends in front of a screen is also important. Generally, children aged over 8 should spend no more than two out-of-school hours per day in front of a screen (TV, computer or smartphone). For children aged under 8, this should be no more than one hour per day.

By limiting the amount of time they spend in front of a screen, you will increase their exposure to healthy activities, such as socialising, being creative, and getting active.

If you don't keep a close eye on what they're watching, and how long they're watching it for, it's easy for your children to watch material that's too mature for their years (and may be harmful). This can cause problems with their sleep and behaviour, and it can also affect their mental wellbeing and relationships.

HealthInfo recommends the following pages

• Australian Council on Children and the Media

  This site is a reliable and comprehensive source of information about children and teenagers' use of media and healthy development. It includes pages on Media use, sleep and school work, Computer games and a web survival toolkit. As this is an Australian site, the phone numbers and some of the links don't apply in New Zealand.

• Brainwave – Tots, toddlers & TV

  A factsheet that discusses the evidence about the effect TV has on babies' and toddlers' brains.

• Child Mind Institute – Media guidelines for kids of all ages

  Tips on encouraging safe media use, from preschool through to teens.

• Common Sense Media

  A website devoted to helping families make smart media choices. It includes recommendations on movies, apps, websites and games, guides for parents, blogs, and more.

• NHS – How TVs, phones, and screens spoil kids' sleep

  This page explains why it's important to limit your child and teenager's access to phones and screens in their bedroom.