14 strategies to manage screen time

Screens are everywhere: we’ve got phones in our pockets, iPads on bedside tables, computers at school and work, and an all-you-can-eat buffet of top-quality TV and movies. With so many digital diversions, it’s no wonder that the amount of time both kids and parents spend on screens is eating up a larger and larger share of our days.

Even though we all know that too much screen time is bad for our mental, physical, and emotional health, many families struggle to keep screen time in check. The first step to addressing this is try to put aside any shame you’re feeling about your kids’—and your own—screen time. You’re not alone in this struggle! 

The next step is choosing some new screen time habits for your family. With the help of the strategies and tips below, try some new boundaries around screen use in your home. Rather than trying to quit screens entirely, come up a plan that feels manageable and will allow you scale back on screen use, even in small ways. 

Here are some strategies and tips for your family: 

1. Make a family media plan

It’s parents’ responsibility to set limits for children, but kids will have an easier time accepting those limits if they feel they’ve been involved in the decision-making. Call a family meeting to share your concerns about screen time, and ask for your kids’ help to create a family media plan that will clearly define the house rules around screens.

2. Be present when screens are used

Young children get more out of educational programming when adults talk to them about what’s happening on screen. For older children, games, TV, and movies can spark important discussions about family values and current events, or create opportunities for family bonding. Being present when children are on screens also helps keep kids safe, as you can intervene if you notice that what they’re doing or watching isn’t age-appropriate.

3. Set up a phone garage on your kitchen counter

Using a small cardboard box or a large bowl, create a “phone garage” where your family’s phones get parked when they’re not in use. As a family, set some rules around when phones go in the garage. For example: while kids are doing homework, during meals, or before bedtime.

4. Talk with your kids about acceptable screen use

Just as we teach our kids how to safely cross neighbourhood streets, cycle on the correct side of the road, and what to do if approached by a stranger on the playground, we need to teach our kids how to stay safe online and how to make sure screen time isn’t getting in the way of sleep, mealtime, playtime, or face-to-face socializing with family and friends.

5. Hold a screen-free family game night once a week

This is a really nice, simple opportunity to enjoy each other’s company! Pull out a board game and get silly. If you’ve got a phone garage, stick your phones there while you play.

6. Encourage screen use that is educational, active, or social

Screen time isn’t all bad! Encourage kids to use their devices to FaceTime faraway family members, create home movies or animations, learn more about things that interest them, or get ideas for activities, crafts, or things to do.

7. Turn off autoplay

It’s a small change with the potential to make a big difference. On YouTube, Netflix, and other platforms, turn off video autoplay. This will help you all be mindful of how much you’re watching.

8. Help your children choose good content

For young children, look for programming that isn’t too fast-paced or energetic, with characters, storylines, or topics that reflect your family’s values. A good source to help evaluate whether a show or game is appropriate for your child is Common Sense Media. This website provides family-friendly ratings for movies, TV shows, and games as well as age recommendations and information about any sex, violence, language, and controversial themes.

9. Schedule screen-free times

One small change that can help keep screens in check is to clearly outline when screens are not permitted, and for everyone in the family to put screens away for certain periods (Mom and Dad too!). There’s no right or wrong way to do this, but it helps everyone stay on track to be clear about when your family is screen-free. Here are some ideas:

• no screens during playdates
• no screens during meals (this creates more opportunity to engage as a family!)
• no screens in certain places, like the living room
• no screens after school or no screens on weekend mornings

10. Turn off screens when not in use

Screens are powerful attention magnets and can distract kids from active or imaginative play. You can help your kids stay focused on other activities by turning off screens when not in use.

11. Or turn devices on silent

You’ll look less at your screens when they’re not constantly pinging.

12. Turn screens off at least one hour before bed

Light and stimulation from screens can lead some kids to have trouble falling asleep. Switching screens off well before bedtime helps to make sure kids get to bed on time and wake up well-rested.

13. Limit screen use in public places

Handing over your phone or tablet is often an effective way to keep kids quiet at restaurants or during long stroller walks, but it’s best to save this as a last resort! Try packing a “busy bag” with small toys, crayons and paper, little pots of playdough, or other items to give young children something to do. You can also try playing simple games like I Spy or let toddlers out of the stroller to walk or crawl around for a bit if they get fussy.

14. Involve your children in whatever you’re doing

Folding laundry? Cleaning the house? Prepping dinner? Ask your child for help. Then strike up conversation about how their day was, what was the rose, bud, and thorn of the day, and what they’re looking forward to tomorrow.

Editor’s note: This article was published on March 6, 2020.