Five Effective Ways to Reduce Children’s Screen Time
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If you’re a parent, you may feel validated by a recent US court ruling finding that Meta and Google knowingly created addictive features on social media platforms which harmed a young woman’s mental health.
The young woman’s lawyers claimed that features like Instagram’s endless “infinite scroll” are designed to be addictive.
The court’s decision has been hailed as a ‘decisive moment’ for social media companies. However, for parents trying to reduce their children’s screen time, its practical relevance may be limited.
We consulted several parenting experts for practical advice on how to limit children’s time on phones, even if only for short periods.
1. Start Small and Be Realistic
Many parents have already given their children tablets or smartphones, so it’s important to make thoughtful decisions about when and how to provide these devices. However, child psychologist Dr. Jane Gilmer advises against completely banning phone use, as that is often unrealistic.
She explains, “Changing habits is always difficult.” She recommends making changes during calm and neutral times rather than during conflicts about screen time. “A calm mind communicates best.”
A useful first step might be designating specific spots at home to place these devices, such as a particular drawer.
“Assign a special place for chargers so phones can be put on charge and stay there when turned off, and that’s it,” she adds.
2. Collaborate
Image source, Arthur Debat/ Getty Images
Child psychologist Dr. Maryhan Baker believes that rather than imposing strict rules, it’s important to involve older children and teenagers in conversations about screen time.
She notes that peer pressure on social media can help teenagers agree to limits: “I understand this is the place you connect with your friends. I also understand the social pressure when you can’t use it. Therefore, we need to discuss how we can plan our time so that it helps keep you away from the phone.”
Parenting coach Olivia Edwards also stresses the importance of building a strong relationship with children or teenagers to help reduce screen time.
“We need to create strong bonds with our children because this fosters cooperation and a sense of community,” she says.
This includes showing genuine interest in the content children consume online, she adds.
3. Use Screen Time as Learning Opportunities
Many parents struggle to understand social media trends and behaviors. Yet, this can open up meaningful discussions about screen time for both children and adults.
Olivia suggests, “You can say, ‘Do you know how social media works? How apps seem to appeal to people? People earn money based on how long viewers watch; did you know that?’”
Dr. Jane points out that in this way parents can help foster digital literacy in children.
“When you see some content, you might say, ‘What do you think about this? Where is it leading? How can we find out?’”
4. Model Good Behavior
It’s clear that children imitate their parents. Therefore, to instill good screen habits, self-reflection is essential.
Maryhan recommends approaching this with lightheartedness and humor. “We can joke with children and say, ‘We are all guilty of this and should improve our relationship with phones; I haven’t been great at it myself.'”
Phones and tablets provide entertainment for all ages, but Dr. Jane stresses that both adults and children sometimes need to accept boredom.
“When watching screens, your attention is on the external world, but when we turn inward, looking at the middle distance helps us remember the past, imagine the future, and boost creativity.”
“When children resist, it’s important to recognize that they are seeking space for themselves, which is perfectly normal and positive, not negative.”
5. Don’t Panic
Parenting has always been challenging, but in the digital age, we are understanding the impact of screens more deeply, which can be concerning.
Dr. Tony Sampson, a digital communication expert at the University of Essex, advises parents not to fall into excessive fear.
“Parents often enter into a communication panic, believing all teens’ brains are wired for social media addiction,” he says.
However, children’s and teenagers’ brains possess ‘neuroplasticity,’ which enables adaptation and recovery.
“Social media doesn’t just distract attention; it captures it and directs it toward commercial content,” he explains.
“Using technology positively can enhance neuroplasticity, fostering creativity, exploration, and learning.”