The school holidays are a time when routines often become more relaxed, leading to an increase in screen time as kids unwind with games, videos, and online interactions.
As back-to-school time is around the corner, it’s essential to bring structure and guidelines back to device use and digital safety.
Here are some practical tips to help you get started.
1. Revisit screen time limits
During the holidays, screen time tends to exceed regular limits, but now it’s time to return to established boundaries.
- Set daily screen time limits (e.g., 2 hours per day for kids, 3 hours per day for teens).
- Agree on a “social media curfew,” such as no posts or scrolling after 9 PM on school nights.
- Implement a rule for all screens to be turned off at least one hour before bedtime.
- Designate tech-free zones, such as the dinner table, to promote family time.
Take the time to have an honest conversation with your children about why it's important to reinstate these rules as school begins.
2. Manage online gaming habits
For many teens, online gaming (such as Roblox or Fortnite) is a popular way to pass time during the holidays. To ease the transition back to school:
- Implement a “gaming wind-down” week, gradually reducing daily gaming time by 30 minutes each day leading up to the start of school.
- Utilise in-game parental controls to limit play time on school nights.
3. Encourage a healthy balance
While monitoring device use is essential, fostering a balanced approach to technology is equally important.
- Set a challenge for your child to spend as much time outdoors as they do online each day.
- Plan digital detox activities such as beach trips, bushwalks, or family sports games.
- Encourage participation in local sports clubs or summer camps to build offline connections.
Help your child understand that devices are valuable tools for entertainment and education, but they shouldn’t replace in-person connections, physical activity, or other important activities like reading and family bonding.
4. Set positive examples
Children often mirror their parents' behaviour, so it’s crucial to model healthy screen habits.
- Lead by example by limiting your own device use during family time.
- Show your children the importance of being present and engaged without distractions.
5. Stay engaged and check in regularly
Even after the holidays, staying involved in your child’s digital world is key.
- Review and update parental controls on their devices regularly.
- Check in on their online activity, ask about the apps and games they’re using, and make sure they feel comfortable talking to you about any online issues.
- Remind your child that they can always come to you if they encounter anything that makes them feel uneasy or unsafe online.
It's easy for parents to view screen time as a distraction, but for kids, it can actually be a valuable way to relax and recharge. Just as adults unwind with TV shows or games after a long day, children often use screens to help them de-stress, too. Over the holidays, a little extra screen time can help them reset and feel ready to tackle the new school year.
Rather than viewing screen time as purely negative, try reframing it as a chance to teach your child about balance. Explain that while it’s important to work hard during school, it’s equally important to take breaks to refresh the mind. You can also encourage other ways of unwinding, such as reading, drawing, or playing outside, to help your child learn that there are many ways to relax - both on and off the screen.
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Parentline in your state or territory
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
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