Most Canadian Children Under Five Exceed Recommended Screen Time, Report Finds

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published October 21, 2026

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Fewer than half of Canadian children under five meet recommended screen-time limits, according to a new national report that found a sharp contrast between young children's screen habits and their generally healthier patterns of sleep and physical activity.

Released Tuesday by ParticipACTION, the first national report card dedicated to children aged four and younger found that 48 per cent met age-appropriate screen-time recommendations. By comparison, 67 per cent met physical activity guidelines and 80 per cent obtained the recommended amount of sleep.

Only one in four children met all three recommendations under Canada's 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for the Early Years.

Canadian guidelines recommend no sedentary screen time for children younger than two and a maximum of one hour per day for those aged two to four. Children between one and four should also accumulate at least three hours of physical activity throughout the day, while sleep requirements vary by age.

University of Alberta professor Valerie Carson, who led the report card's scientific development, said the results offer encouragement on sleep and physical activity but identify screen time as an area requiring greater attention.

In comments published by the university, Carson emphasized that balancing movement, sleep and sedentary behaviour during early childhood is important for physical development, language skills and emotional well-being.

The report also highlighted unequal access to active play. Children from lower-income households were less likely to have access to recreational facilities and playgrounds or participate in organized activities.

ParticipACTION called for more opportunities for active play in child-care settings and communities, alongside better training for early childhood educators to support healthy movement and screen-time habits.