Helping Your Kids Build Healthy Screen Habits

Kids today are growing up in a world of screens. Phones, tablets, TVs and laptops are just part of everyday life. Tech can open up amazing opportunities to learn, connect and unwind, but without guidance, too much screen time can take a toll on wellbeing.

It’s totally understandable to want to switch devices off altogether – especially when things feel out of balance. But bans alone don’t teach young people how to use technology safely and confidently in the long run.

What really helps is building healthy screen habits early, with clear boundaries, open conversations and support along the way. Here are some simple, practical ways parents and carers can help kids and teens find a healthier balance with screens.

To successfully create positive screen time habits in your child, first you need to understand the difference between passive screen time and active screen time.

Passive screen time involves consuming content on a screen without much interaction or engagement. For example, scrolling through social media feeds, viewing online content like watching videos or reading articles without contributing. Excessive passive screen time can impact cognitive development and overall wellbeing.

Active screen time involves interactive engagement with digital content. Examples include video calling friends, using educational apps where kids and teenagers actively participate (answering quizzes, solving puzzles), or creating content such as writing, taking photos or designing.

The key is not merely limiting kids' screen time, but rather encouraging active screen time, shifting from passive content consumption to active content creation.

Get your child to take photos of things that interest them, search for information about these things online and share the photos and information with others. You can also get them to write a blog, create music with an app, or film and edit short videos.

Talk about the online world

Often parents are worried about not knowing what their children do online, but you can use devices and screens as a way to start conversations with them and help build their understanding of the online world. This prepares them for things that may happen to them online, and lets them know that they can always come to you if they have a question or have a negative online experience.

Some topics you can explore include:

• Internet Safety: Teach them about not sharing their full name, address, phone number, or other sensitive information with strangers.
• Cyberbullying: Discuss what cyberbullying is, how to respond to it and report it.
• Digital Footprint: Help them understand that what they post online can be permanent. Teach them to think before they post and consider the potential consequences of their online actions.
• Stranger Danger: Discuss the risks of talking to strangers online and emphasise the importance of only interacting with people they know in real life or have verified identities.
• Social Media Etiquette: Discuss appropriate behaviours, such as being respectful to others, not posting hurtful comments, and understanding the impact of their online interactions.

Co-view or co-play with your child

Watching or playing alongside your child can be a positive experience that promotes learning and development. Participate in educational activities, play games or watch informative videos together. This not only enhances the learning experience but also allows you to monitor content and discuss what they are learning.

Ask questions, get them to explain stuff, be curious and listen with an open mind. You can take this opportunity to teach them online safety tips, such as not clicking on pop-ups, or getting your help if they suspect the person they're talking is a scammer.

Choose age-appropriate, high-quality content for your kid. Look for ratings, reviews, and recommendations from trusted sources. If your child is a teenager, check out online reviews together and help them look for shows, games, and apps that allow them to explore their interests, get creative, and connect with others.

You can also help your kids think critically about what they watch, play, and interact with by discussing it. Encourage them to think more deeply about the shows, books, and games they enjoy. Ask them what they enjoy about it, what they've learned, and if they have any questions or concerns.

Creating device-free times and zones in your home promotes healthy boundaries and encourages alternative activities. Talk together as a family about when everyone should put their devices down. Depending on your routine, it can be during meals, or every Saturday afternoon when you can play a game or watch a movie together instead.

It's also important that you lead by example. By putting your phone down and being present when spending time with them, you're demonstrating how to limit screen time and show them they can do it too.

Encourage your child to incorporate offline activities such as reading books, outdoor play, hobbies, and face-to-face interactions with family and friends. Explain to them why they should use screen time as one of many activities they can do and have as much, if not more, fun.

They can also use screens to support physical activities, like following exercise routines, dance tutorials, or yoga sessions, or creativity, such as creating digital art, programming, or writing stories. There are also a lot of online sources that teach kids new skills. For example, they can learn to play an instrument or a language by watching YouTube videos.

It's important to remember, kids and teenagers will find a way to use screens if they want to. Try not to make screens the enemy - it will just make them more appealing to your child. Nor should they be used as a bribe or treat. They’re part of our lives, so it’s good to normalise them. 

Kids who use tablets or smartphones just to play games or watch shows see only the entertainment side of technology. Show them how you can use devices for other tasks, such as sending emails, getting directions, and looking up information.
 

Managing how much time kids spend on screens can be tricky, but parents can help kids find the right balance for screen time. By setting boundaries, encouraging open communication, and prioritising real-world experiences, we can make sure screens are a positive part of our kids' lives.