Is Screen Time for Bad for my Kid?
Navigating Screen Time
This blog is adapted from one of our recent podcast episodes. You can take a listen at the button above. The episode title is: Screen Time with Kids.
Balancing screen time is a challenge for many parents. While we set rules for our kids, we often struggle to follow the same guidelines ourselves. It’s important to recognize that children have different needs and self-regulation abilities when it comes to technology.
The Appeal of Screens for Kids
Unlike adults, children don’t just use screens for productivity or specific tasks—they are drawn to the flashing lights, sounds, and instant gratification. This makes it difficult for them to self-regulate. Parents often express concern about their children being interested in little else besides video games. One reason could be that games provide a strong dopamine response, making other activities seem less engaging.
The Social Aspect of Technology
For teenagers, screens are not just entertainment but also a crucial part of their social lives. Many parents struggle with the decision of how much access to grant their teens. Group chats, memes, and online gaming can be key ways for them to stay connected. However, limiting screen time can sometimes make teens feel left out, creating a delicate balance between setting boundaries and maintaining social inclusion.
Challenges with Restricting Screen Time
Some aspects of modern life make it difficult to enforce strict screen limits. Many extracurricular activities require smartphone apps for communication. Without a smartphone, kids may miss important updates, making participation more difficult. Even with younger children, managing screen time can be challenging, but it becomes even more complex as they grow older.
Setting Clear Boundaries
To make screen time healthier, it should be more active than passive. Engagement is key—watching videos endlessly is different from using technology for creative or educational purposes. It’s also important to avoid open-ended access to devices. This includes setting limits on time and restricting access to endless browsing, such as unrestricted YouTube viewing.
The Role of Parents
In schools, a common issue is students using YouTube instead of focusing on their work. With unrestricted access, it’s easy for kids to get distracted. This is not necessarily a failure of discipline but rather a sign that children need structure and guidance when it comes to screens.
The Grocery Store Analogy
A helpful way to think about screen time is to compare it to giving a child free rein in a grocery store with unlimited money. Without limits, they are likely to make poor choices. Instead, just as parents set spending boundaries, they should also set clear guidelines for technology use.
The Takeaway
Not all screen time is equal. It requires constant adjustment as children grow, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Parents who put in the effort to thoughtfully navigate screen time make a difference—not just for their own children but for others as well. Setting clear expectations and fostering balanced habits helps create a healthier digital environment for everyone. See the summary of our three favorite screen time thoughts below.
Engaging Over Passive Consumption – Screen time should be interactive rather than passive. Activities that require participation, problem-solving, or creativity are more beneficial than mindless consumption.
Clear Boundaries and Structure – Screen time should not be open-ended. This applies to both time limits and the type of content being accessed. Setting clear expectations helps children develop healthy digital habits.
Age-Appropriate and Developmentally Supportive – Younger children’s social development is not tied to screen access, whereas teenagers’ social interactions often are. Parents must navigate this carefully, balancing access with boundaries to support both socialization and responsibility.
