10 Tips on How to Limit Screen Time for Children

Screen time. You love it, your children love it, but is it really good for them? Turns out that the jury is still out on that one. Perhaps your children are spending too much time on the screen, or you’re worried about the negative effects of screens on developing brains.

We’ve got some tips on how to limit screen time for children. Check them out!

Establish rules and limits

The first step in limiting screen time for children is to establish some ground rules. Decide how much screen time you think is appropriate for your child and make sure they stick to it. It might be helpful to set a daily or weekly limit on screen time, or to only allow time on certain days of the week. Whatever you decide, make sure you’re consistent with enforcing the rules.

An red alarm clock, with a blurred background. — It might be helpful to set a daily or weekly limit on screen time. (Image: Oleg Dudko via Dreamstime)

Create opportunities for other activities

If you want your children to spend less time in front of a screen, it’s important to provide them with other opportunities for fun and learning. Make sure there are plenty of books, toys, and outdoor games available for them to enjoy. And try to get involved in some of their activities yourself! Playing together is a great way to bond and have some quality family time.

Two girls standing in a shallow lake feeding ducks, their backs face away from the photographer. — It’s important to provide them with other opportunities for fun and learning. (Image: MNStudio via Dreamstime)

Lead by example

If you’re trying to limit your child’s screen time, it’s important to set a good example yourself. Try to cut back on your own technology use when your children are around, and make sure they see you participating in other activities as well. They’ll be more likely to follow your lead if they see that you’re following the rules too.

A man puts his mobile devices away in a locked draw. — Try to cut back on your own screen time when your children are around. (Image: Elizaveta Galitskaya via Dreamstime)

Make screen time productive

If your child does need to spend some time in front of a screen, there are ways to make that time more productive. Look for educational apps or games that can help your child learn while they’re playing. And try to limit screen time to specific times or activities, like only allowing screens during downtime or after homework is done.

A young boy writing in a notebook, front of a computer with headphones on. — Look for educational apps or games that can help your child learn while they’re playing. (Image: Nadezhda Buyanowa via Dreamstime)

Be flexible

Remember that there’s no perfect way to limit screen time for children. Every family is different, and what works for one might not work for another. So don’t be afraid to experiment a little bit and find what works best for you and your family. Flexibility is key!

A feminine hand hands a phone to a child's hand. — Every family is different, and what works for one might not work for another. (Image: Chutima Chaochaiya via Dreamstime)

Make screen time a privilege

Make screen time a privilege that has to be earned. For example, you could set up a reward system where your child gets a certain amount of screen time for completing their chores or getting good grades. This will teach them responsibility and help them value their time in front of a screen.

A young boy does the dishes as his mother helps. — Set up a reward system where your child gets a certain amount of screen time for completing their chores. (Image: Lordn7 via Dreamstime)

Keep your child’s bedroom screen-free

Keep screens out of the bedroom. This will help them wind down before bed and get a good night’s sleep. It will also give them a break from screens during the day so they can focus on other activities.

A mother and young daughter read a book under a duvet with torch light. — Keep screens out of the bedroom. (Image: Evgenyatamanenko via Dreamstime)

Create ‘technology-free zones’ in your home

You can also create ‘technology-free zones’ in your home, like the dining room table or the living room couch. This will encourage your family to interact with each other and give everyone a break from screens.

A young family eats with their children and parents. — This will encourage your family to interact with each other and give everyone a break from screens. (Image: Monkey Business Images via Dreamstime)

Explain why you’re limiting screen time

It’s important to explain to your child why you’re limiting their screen time. Help them understand that it’s important to balance screen time with other activities, like playing outside or reading a book. This will help them be more receptive to the rules and limits you’ve set.

An grandfather suggests to a young boy to reduce his screen time and read a book instead. — Help them understand that it’s important to balance screen time with other activities. (Image: Svitlana Ponurkina via Dreamstime)

Be consistent

The most important thing is to be consistent. If you’re inconsistent with the rules, your child won’t take them seriously. So make sure you stick to the plan and enforce the rules on a regular basis.

A child make a silly face at their mother while holding a phone at the dinner table. — If you’re inconsistent with the rules, your child won’t take them seriously. (Image: Ferli Achirulli Kamaruddin via Dreamstime)

These are just a few tips to help you limit screen time for children. Every family is different, so find what works best for you and your child. With a little effort, you can help your child balance their screen time and enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle.

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