Though it may seem intuitive that introducing kids to digital technologies early will make them “better” or more effective at using tech, there’s actually no evidence to support that idea. While some parents feel pressured to introduce digital technology to babies and toddlers, there is actually no evidence that screen media is beneficial for children under two – and growing concern that it’s actually harmful. For older children, excessive screen time is linked to many pressing issues, including poor sleep habits, attention problems, anxiety, depression, materialistic values, and poor academic performance.

That is to say: while some high-quality media use can be beneficial, particularly for older kids, far too many children are spending far too much time with digital devices. Many educators, pediatricians, and other professionals working with children are concerned about device overuse because they see the impacts of it every day. They encourage children and families to reduce screen time and spend more time in activities with proven developmental benefits, such as creative, active play and face-to-face time with peers and trusted adults. The Action Network is designed to support these educators and practitioners and the children and families they serve.

The Action Network is specifically designed to bring together those who are working to reduce children’s screen time. For that reason, we will not feature resources on making educational media choices. There are many organizations and individuals (including many of our members) that make recommendations for age-appropriate and educational media for kids. Resources for reducing children's screen time are less well-known. Our goal for the Action Network is to elevate those voices and tools that promote healthy child development by helping children and families unplug more often.

Yes! Anyone who is committed to reducing children’s screen time can join the Action Network. While some of our resources and educational opportunities are designed specifically for professionals, others will be useful to anyone who cares about kids. We hope that parents, grandparents, and others who join the Action Network will use our resources not just to help the children they know and love best, but to educate others about why limiting screen time benefits all children.

We currently do not provide CEUs, but we hope to make professional credits available in the near future. If you are interested in receiving CEUs or professional development hours, please contact us and let us know the details of your field and learning needs.

Click here to upload resources! We will review your submissions promptly and get back to you if we have questions. If your resource meets Action Network criteria, we will upload it to the site within two weeks.

The Action Network offers multiple ways to collaborate. If you’re interested in presenting (either virtually or in-person) to other Action Network members, please contact us. We want to hear from you!

Through activism and education, Fairplay is creating a world where children’s lives are shaped by what’s best for them, not by corporate profits. Our work is grounded in the overwhelming evidence that child-targeted marketing undermines healthy development, as well as the belief that society bears responsibility for, and benefits immeasurably from, the wellbeing of children. Fairplay holds corporations accountable for their marketing practices and advocates for policies to give children the commercial-free time and space they need.

Fairplay works to reduce children’s screen time because screens are by far  the number one way marketers reach kids: through commercials, advergames, sponsored YouTube videos and social media content, and by promoting licensed characters that are used to sell food, toys, and more. Increasingly, marketers also track kids’ online behaviors to build consumer profiles of children and families. The simplest way to shield children from harmful commercialism and protect kids’ privacy is to reduce the amount of time they spend with screens.

It’s easy to forget that digital devices are essentially data-gathering and marketing delivery systems. But Silicon Valley insiders have revealed that newer technologies and platforms are deliberately designed to be addictive because our attention is a valuable commodity. In other words, it’s not just that commercialism is a harmful byproduct of children’s media; it’s that many of the problems associated with children’s technology use are a direct result of media being designed for the benefit of advertisers, not families.