Combien de temps d’écran est trop : Étude sur le temps d’écran des bébés 2026
How much screen time is too much for babies under age 2? It's a question almost every Canadian parent wrestles with — and the answer is far less black-and-white than the official guidelines suggest. To find out where parents really stand, we ran an on-site poll asking Canadian parents whether screen time for babies is harmful, harmless, or helpful. The results show a clear gap between expert advice and everyday parenting reality.
Below is the data, what it means, and how Canadian families can use it to make confident decisions about screens in their own homes.
Key Findings
We surveyed Canadian parents on their views about screen time for babies under age 2. Here's what we found:
- 58% of parents believe screen time is harmless or helpful
- 42% of parents believe screen time is harmful
- 20% of parents say screen time is actually helpful
- Parent opinions do not fully align with current health recommendations
Parent Views on Baby Screen Time
When asked directly whether screen time for babies under 2 is harmful, harmless, or helpful, parents responded:
- 42% say screen time is harmful
- 38% say it is harmless
- 20% say it is helpful
This means a majority of parents — 58% combined — do not consider screen time for babies under 2 to be harmful.
Harmful vs Not Harmful
Grouped into two camps, the split looks like this:
- 58% say screen time is not harmful (harmless or helpful)
- 42% say it is harmful
Parents are divided, but the data shows a clear shift toward acceptance.
Key Statistic
58% of Canadian parents say screen time for babies under 2 is not harmful.
What Do Experts Say About Baby Screen Time?
Most health organizations recommend limiting or avoiding screen time for children under age 2.
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises avoiding digital media use (except video chatting) for children younger than 18 to 24 months. Health Canada similarly encourages a focus on interactive, screen-free activities for infants and toddlers.
These recommendations are based on research showing that babies learn best through real-world interaction, not passive screen viewing. If you'd like more guidance on this topic, we have a related article on navigating screen time battles.
Why Are Parent Opinions Different?
The data suggests that many parents are making practical decisions based on real-life needs.
Several factors may explain why 58% of parents do not view screen time as harmful:
- Screens are often used during meals, errands, or busy moments
- Educational content may feel beneficial or harmless
- Screens can help parents manage daily routines
- Digital devices are now a constant part of modern life
This reflects a growing gap between ideal recommendations and everyday parenting realities.
What This Means for Families
This study highlights a real shift in how parents approach screen time.
While expert guidance remains cautious, many families are adopting a more flexible approach. For some, screen time is used occasionally as a tool — a few minutes during a phone call, in the car, or while making dinner — rather than as a primary activity.
The key takeaway is that parenting decisions are often shaped by both guidance and real-world circumstances. There's no single right answer, but being intentional about when and why screens are used helps keep usage in check.
Expert Commentary
"We're seeing a clear shift in how parents view screen time for babies. While recommendations haven't changed much, real-life parenting has. Many families are using screens in moderation as a practical tool, even if they have concerns."
— Cory Arsic, Founder, CanadianParent.ca
Internal Resources
Helping new parents is our goal, so be sure to check out these similar resources on our site to find free baby products, coupons, and contests:
Methodology
This data is based on an ongoing on-site poll conducted on CanadianParent.ca.
- Sample: Canadian parents (ongoing responses)
- Audience: Parents of babies and toddlers
- Data source: On-site poll
- Question: "Is screen time for babies under 2 harmful, harmless, or helpful?"
- Date: 2026
Results reflect real parent opinions and may evolve as more responses are collected.
Cite This Study
CanadianParent.ca (2026). Baby Screen Time Study: Parent Perceptions Under Age 2. https://canadianparent.ca/rewards/poll/screen-time-for-babies-under-2-harmful-harmless-or-helpful
This post is also available in: