Screen Time for Children and Teens - How Parents Can Help
Screens are a big part of daily life, and while they can offer learning and entertainment, it's important to create a balanced approach. Setting clear expectations and routines around screen use helps children develop healthy habits while maintaining strong family connections. Here’s how you can foster a positive relationship with screens in your home.
Establishing a Screen-Healthy Environment
One of the best ways to create balance is by setting clear screen-free times and places. Here are some examples:
Screen-Free Times:
Mealtimes: Prioritize conversation and connection at the table.
One Hour Before Bedtime: Helps with better sleep quality and winding down for the night.
Until Ready for the Day: Encourages morning routines without distractions.
Playdates: Supports social interactions and creative play.
Screen-Free Places:
Bedrooms: Keeps sleep and relaxation spaces separate from screen use.
Bathrooms: Encourages privacy and limits unnecessary exposure.
Outdoor Time: Promotes physical activity and appreciation for nature.
Short Car Rides: Creates an opportunity for conversation and observation.
Routines and Limits: Making Screen Time Predictable
Children thrive on routine, and knowing when screen time happens makes it easier for them to accept when it doesn’t. Establishing predictable times and setting limits before screens are turned on reduces power struggles.
Set Limits Before the Screen is On
Before allowing screen time, it can be helpful for your child to know:
How long they will have – Clearly state the time limit before turning the screen on.
What happens after – Let them know the next activity so the transition is smoother.
When the next screen time will be – This helps prevent negotiation or meltdowns.
Activity Before Screen Time
Encourage an activity such as reading, playing, or finishing homework before screen time. This helps children view screens as part of a balanced day rather than the main event.
Making the End of Screen Time Easier
When screen time is almost over, use a gradual approach to transition smoothly.
Five Minutes Before Time is Up: Stop what you are doing and join your child. Sit with them, laugh together, and engage in the content they are watching or playing. This connection helps ease the transition.
Two Minutes Before Time is Up: Provide a gentle reminder while continuing to enjoy the screen time together.
When Time is Up: Thank them for watching with you and remind them of the next scheduled screen time. Give them a choice for who turns off the screen to give them a sense of control.
By implementing these strategies, you create a balanced, predictable, and connected approach to screen time. Remember, it’s not just about limiting screens—it’s about using them intentionally while prioritizing real-world interactions and relationships.