Buzz
Previously, doctors suggested restricting children’s daily use of phones and tablets to one or two hours, with no screen time for toddlers. However, recommendations have evolved, and now the focus is on helping kids develop a balanced relationship with technology. If you're unsure where to start, here are some strategies to consider.
Keep in Mind That Screen Time Isn’t the Only Factor
When kids are young, it’s easy to think that any time spent on a phone, tablet, or TV is unproductive. However, screen time varies widely: children could be passively watching a mindless show or engaging in a game that fosters creativity and critical thinking. As they grow older, they might use screens to stay connected with friends, explore hobbies, or even research how to spend their allowance wisely.
When setting boundaries, focus on what your child is engaging in during their screen time. For instance, there’s a stark contrast between my seven-year-old passively watching videos and actively constructing worlds in Minecraft. (I’m torn when he watches Minecraft tutorials—while he’s consuming content passively, he’s also gaining skills he later applies creatively.)
Instead of imposing strict time limits, Devorah Heitner, the author of Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive in Their Digital World, recommends guiding children toward more imaginative activities. For example, they could produce videos instead of just watching them or learn to program their own games as they grow older.
If you still feel the need to set boundaries, they don’t have to revolve around limiting screen time entirely. Tools like Circle can help restrict access to specific websites during designated hours. Additionally, you might adopt the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation to keep meals and bedtime free from technology.
Ensure the Phone Isn’t the Sole Source of Entertainment
Children require genuine playtime and face-to-face interactions, just like adults. However, they often lean toward electronic devices because they’re more convenient. “Are the dress-up clothes, Legos, and musical instruments as easy to access as screens?” Heitner advises parents to consider when evaluating their child’s surroundings.
If you’re aiming for healthier eating habits, you’ve likely heard about adjusting your environment to make nutritious options more accessible while keeping junk food hidden. The same principle applies here. Even with strict rules, kids might constantly ask for YouTube. But if their favorite toys are within reach, they might lose interest in phones and tablets, at least for a while.
This might involve some sacrifices for parents: while videos can keep kids occupied and are less chaotic than a Lego mess, they don’t offer the same developmental benefits.
Reflect on Your Own Screen Habits
It’s challenging to encourage kids to put down their phones if you’re constantly glued to yours. I’m certainly guilty of this, particularly when I’m working against a deadline. Heitner points out that her schedule sometimes involves coordinating with people in different time zones, making it difficult to disconnect in the evenings. However, she ensures her phone is set aside during specific times as part of her family’s daily routine.
“Being transparent with our kids about when we’re busy is a great parenting strategy,” she explains. “But we should also avoid normalizing a state of constant connectivity and never taking breaks from our devices.”
Determine Which Rules Are Practical
In 2016, the AAP introduced updated guidelines for children’s device usage, accompanied by a Media Plan tool designed to help families create customized rules. This tool allows you to select rules for each child and add personalized ones as needed.
I expected the tool to generate a brief list of family rules suitable for the fridge, but it produced a detailed document. Despite its length, the process helped me identify which rules I wanted to implement and which I could disregard.
According to Heitner (and I agree), the most significant change brought by the AAP’s guidelines is that parents no longer feel pressured to enforce rigid screen time limits or judge others for allowing more screen time. “It’s harder to have open conversations with other parents because we’re too busy judging them,” she notes.
Without the burden of outdated rules, parents can more freely discuss strategies for handling screen-related tantrums or deciding when a middle schooler is ready for a phone. Heitner highlights that preschool teachers and specialists, like speech therapists, are excellent resources for early childhood development. Engaging with educators can yield recommendations for suitable apps or offline activities to enrich your child’s playtime.
Illustration by Sam Woolley. Photos by Roy Luck and Josh Engroff.
