Managing screen time isn’t simple in a world where even the smallest of tasks are being done online. From WhatsApp to YouTube to educational apps, and now even the classes are being held online. With easy access to the internet and gadgets that support the internet, with just one tap, your child can go from watching an educational video to going down a rabbit hole of cartoons or reels. Most parents struggle to create a balance between healthy screen use and offline play, so you are not alone in this battle.
It is easy to get frustrated while trying to make your children understand why too much screen time is bad for them. It is especially difficult with young kids. Here are some practical, real-world tips that will help you in managing screen time for your kids.
Before setting some ground rules, observe. Make a note of how much screen time your child is getting in a day for a week. Is your child simply watching cartoons and playing mindless games, or are they learning something from the videos and playing a game that improves their skills? Look at the patterns. Are tantrums happening when it’s time to turn off the tablet? Does screen time affect sleep? Recognising the why behind screen use helps in managing screen time better.
Sit with your family and make a plan. When children know what to expect, they respond better. Create simple family rules about when and where screens are okay. You can set rules like no screens during meal times or screen time is only after homework/studying for the day is done.
When kids are involved in the decision-making process, they feel heard and seen. It also reduces the chances of arguments or that they were created without knowing about their needs. It also teaches them responsibility, a key parenting tip that works across many areas.
Many gadgets have parental controls, including mobile phones, to help curb kids screen time. There are apps as well that help with limiting screen time. They can set limits and filter content. However, these limits alone won’t fix everything. They work best when combined with consistent conversations. Apps can remind, restrict, or monitor, but only you can help your child understand why certain content is okay and when they have had enough screen time.
Boredom is one of the main reasons why children turn to screens. Make a list of screen-free activities that are age appropriate. Puzzles, books, cooking together or the good old outdoor play. There are many activities that keep children entertained and also help them develop key life skills. For toddlers and pre-schoolers, sensory play works wonders. Child development these days is also through access to intentional screen time. This doesn’t mean you have to entertain them all day, just offer other options and let them choose.
It’s easy to say, ‘Finish your homework if you want to have 30 minutes of TV.’ This approach makes screens seem like the ultimate prize. It is not a message we want to send to the children. Instead, you need to normalise screen time as a regular part of the day, just like brushing teeth or study time. This shift in mindset will help in managing screen time more calmly.
Kids are observant. They might seem occupied, but they quietly observe everything around them, including people. If they see you on your phone during mealtimes, they will want to watch their tablets or screens during mealtimes too. Your message and rules about screen time get blurred. Practising mindful tech use as a family matters. Try unplugging as a family once a week for a digital detox. Go for a walk, play a board game or cook a meal together. Show them what balance looks like.
Rules of screen time for teenagers will be vastly different from pre-schoolers. As they grow, the need for screen time also changes. There is also a change from setting limits to helping them self-regulate. You need to talk about online safety, screen time and sleep. Social media is another big challenge, as everyone wants to be relevant online. Growing teenagers should also be taught about digital literacy. Help them understand that managing screen time is not just about control, it’s about preparing them for a digital world, responsibly.
Managing screen time doesn’t need to be a fight or a flawless routine. It’s a process, some days will go better than others. The goal isn’t to eliminate screens, but to make sure they don’t replace movement, play, sleep, or connection. Start small. Be consistent. And don’t forget to breathe, parenting in the digital age is tough, but not impossible.
