We live in a digital age where technology is part of everyday life. From smartphones and tablets to laptops and gaming consoles, screens are everywhere, and they’ve changed how we interact with the world.
I’ve been into technology since I was a kid, coding and playing games online since the early ’90s. I remember spending hours glued to my MegaDrive, as well as my computer, completely engrossed in the digital world (now of course it’s my job too!)
As a parent, I understand how tempting screens can be, and figuring out how much screen time is right for our children can be challenging.
How much screen time is too much? It’s a question we all ask ourselves.
Every family is different, and what works for mine might not work for yours. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of screen time for kids and share practical tips for keeping it balanced.
Not all screen time is equal. Eight hours of screen time spent gaming, studying, researching, and pursuing hobbies is very different from spending eight hours doom-scrolling YouTube shorts. Keep this in mind before imposing overly strict limits on your kids.
Table of Contents
The Pros of Screen Time
There are some real advantages to allowing screen time for your children. Here are a few positives:
- Educational opportunities – Screens give kids access to a wealth of educational resources: online tutorials, interactive games, and digital textbooks. These tools help them learn new skills, explore subjects, and engage with complex ideas in an interactive way.
We actively encourage our children to use Purple Mash, Reading Eggs and iXL (KS1 to KS2) – these helped with our kids going through SATS and the 11+. While we’re on that topic, why not take a look at “How I Won My Daughter’s Grammar School Appeal (And What You Can Learn From It!)“ - Creative expression – Screens can be a powerful tool for creative expression, allowing kids to explore artistic and musical interests, experiment with new media, and share their creations.
Procreate and Minecraft are big hits in our house. Minecraft might not seem like traditional creative expression, but it helps one of my kids—who isn’t into drawing—express himself in a way he enjoys. - Social connection – Screens help kids stay connected with friends and family, especially those who live far away. They can also connect with others who share their interests and hobbies.
- Exposure to different cultures – Screens can expose children to a wide range of cultures and perspectives, allowing them to learn about different ways of life, languages, and customs from around the world.
- Developing digital literacy – In today’s world, being comfortable with technology is essential. Responsible screen use helps kids develop digital literacy skills that are crucial for the workplace and daily life.
- Entertainment – Letting your kids unwind with Disney+ or Netflix isn’t all bad. Just be sure to set age-appropriate limits and discuss what they’re watching.
If they see something inappropriate, it’s crucial to have an open discussion and address their concerns.
For instance, my second-eldest was allowed to watch SniperWolf reaction videos on YouTube Kids. I didn’t mind the occasional mindless entertainment, but I was worried it was inappropriate for her age. Turns out, she was watching them on Safari with no age restrictions, and the YouTube algorithm led her to some pretty questionable content.
She admitted it made her uncomfortable, and we decided that a fair consequence was removing Safari access until she felt ready to make better choices.
The Cons of Screen Time
While screens have benefits, there are also some significant drawbacks:
- Physical health issues – Too much screen time can lead to physical health problems like obesity, poor posture, and eye strain. According to a study by the World Health Organisation, children who spend more than two hours per day on screens are at higher risk of developing these health issues. Sitting in front of a screen for hours also means less muscle development and weaker bones.
- Mental health issues – Excessive screen time has been linked to anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. Screens can disrupt natural sleep patterns, making it hard for kids to wind down at night. Parents are increasingly concerned about their children’s digital footprint and exposure to content that may affect their well-being long-term. For some, exercising their right to be forgotten offers a way to address these concerns, allowing them to manage and control their children’s online presence and reduce risks associated with digital exposure. Studies have shown that a growing digital footprint from a young age can shape children’s self-image and mental health as they mature. Limiting screen time early on can help reduce these impacts and foster healthier habits for future online interactions.
- Social skills – Kids who spend too much time on screens may struggle to develop social skills and make friends. The more time they spend on their devices, the less they interact with others face-to-face.
- Cognitive development – Studies show that too much screen time can negatively impact cognitive development, including language skills and attention span. Screens overstimulate the brain, making it harder for kids to concentrate on other activities.
- Behavioural issues – Children who spend a lot of time on screens may be more prone to behavioural problems like aggression and impulsivity. Screens can desensitise kids to violence and make it difficult for them to regulate their emotions.
Limiting Screen Time
So, how can we limit our children’s screen time? Here are some practical tips:
Age-Specific Screen Time Tips
Toddlers (0-2 years old)
- Avoid screen time except for video chatting with family. At this age, children benefit more from hands-on activities and face-to-face interactions.
Preschoolers (3-5 years old)
- Limit screen time to one hour a day. Focus on high-quality educational content, and watch with them to help them understand what they see.
School-Aged Children (6-12 years old)
- Set consistent limits on screen time—ideally no more than 1-2 hours a day of recreational use. Encourage outdoor play and hobbies as alternatives.
Teenagers (13-18 years old)
- Encourage responsible use of screens. Set boundaries for recreational screen time, but be flexible for schoolwork and social interactions. Promote balance by encouraging activities like sports, reading, and creative pursuits.
General Screen Time Tips
- Create a schedule – Establishing a schedule helps kids understand that screens aren’t a free-for-all. Consistency is key, so they know what to expect.
For example, you might allow 30 minutes of screen time after homework or chores are done. Once the time’s up, they need to engage in something else.
On weekdays, my kids get two to three hours of screen time, with “unlimited” access on weekends, provided all homework, chores, and self-care are done. If someone parks themselves on the sofa all day, though, their device miraculously loses Wi-Fi access. - Set boundaries – Setting boundaries helps ensure that kids aren’t overexposed to screens or inappropriate content.
For example, ban screens during meals or before bed to help them wind down. Limit the type of content—educational and age-appropriate games only.
I’m wary of letting my kids play Roblox or any freemium game that rewards them for watching ads. Most of their friends play Roblox, but the amount of scary, inappropriate content on there makes it a no-go for me. - Use parental controls – Most devices have parental controls for setting time limits and blocking inappropriate content. Use these tools to monitor your child’s screen time and keep them safe online.
- Find alternatives – Encourage non-screen activities like reading, outdoor play, arts and crafts, or board games. Kids learn by example, so if you’re always glued to your phone, they will be too. Find activities you can do together to set a positive example.
Struggling for ideas? Take a look at my post on 51 Fun Activities for Your Teenager That Aren’t All Technology Based! - Lead by example – If you want your kids to limit their screen time, you need to do the same. Engage in other activities with them and reduce your own screen use. Every family is different, so be flexible and find what works best for yours.
In Summary
While screens have benefits, it’s essential to limit screen time and encourage a variety of activities for balanced development.
By creating a schedule, setting boundaries, using parental controls, finding alternatives, and leading by example, you can help your child develop healthy habits and thrive in this digital age. Every child is different, so be flexible and find the right balance for your family.
I’ve been guilty of letting the kids have unlimited tech access when I’m too tired or running on two hours of sleep. But these days are rare, now that we have routines and rules in place.
How has tech affected your family life? I’d love to hear from you below. What tips and tricks can you share with fellow parents?
This post was featured by Twinkl in their Mental Health in Schools Blog
1 Comment
Thara
Heya.
We tend to spend a fair amount of time in our local library in order to combat it. I’m going to take the children to a theatre soon to see a live show for the second time ever. I also visit the town shops with both of the children in tow. We like to play old classic games as a entire family. Good luck. It is nice to meet you. It is amazing what you can do within a weekend seriously. Plan things. This is key. We are careful.
In addition we have fun themed free movie and hot chocolate nights each month in question at home here. On top of that we go to family parties. Once a year I take the children to a museum nearby as well. We go on summer picnics and learn how to sing and dance. We often tend to listen to live music in the car on the way somewhere from time to time. We read books. We talk. We have fun.