A screen is neither good nor bad in itself; what matters is how long, what and how. Huhu helps play have a clear start and a calm end.

How much is right

The World Health Organization recommends no screen time for children under 2, and no more than an hour a day for children aged 2 to 4, with less being better. For older children it helps to agree on the rules in advance: how long, when and where.

How Huhu helps

• A daily limit: 10, 15, 20, 30, 45 or 60 minutes, or no limit. The default is 20 minutes.
• Time counts only while the child is actually playing and the app is open.
• A small clock on the screen shows how much is left; tap it for a big kitchen-timer view, and the owl says how many minutes remain.
• Two minutes before the end the owl announces that a break is coming.
• When time is up, the owl goes to sleep and the games stay locked until tomorrow.
• A parent can extend play by 10 or 20 minutes behind the parental gate.
• The counter goes back to zero every day.

Tips

• Play together sometimes: ask your child what they are doing and let them show you.
• Announce the end in advance. The owl’s warning two minutes before the end helps with that.
• For a calmer end, switch on Calm mode and Say what comes next.
• Do not use games as a reward or punishment; let them be one of many activities in the day.

When the screen is off

For screen-free time, make a treasure hunt around the house or car bingo for journeys and walks. More on the screen-free games page.

These recommendations are general. For advice about your child, talk to your paediatrician.