3 Ways Ways to Deal with Screen Time

Think of technology like a pair of scissors: rather than banning it because it’s sharp, we teach children how to use it safely. The same applies to the digital world. Guiding them to use technology wisely—rather than avoiding it—ensures they grow up prepared, not overwhelmed.
Instead of seeing technology as the enemy, we can view it as a powerful tool. When used thoughtfully, it unlocks endless possibilities for learning, creativity, and connection. By teaching children to harness its potential while understanding its risks, we empower them to become digitally literate and adaptable.

Technology evolves rapidly—what’s popular today may be obsolete tomorrow. As parents, committing to lifelong learning in the tech space helps us understand our children’s experiences and guide them effectively. When we stay engaged, we don’t just keep up—we lead by example.

2. Get Curious, Not Accusatory
The way we talk to our children about screen time shapes their relationship with technology. Instead of seeing it as a hindrance, we can approach it as a tool—one that, when used wisely, supports learning, creativity, and mindful entertainment.

Rather than immediately reprimanding them for too much screen time, we can choose to get curious. If we see our child deeply engaged in a game, our first instinct might be to say, “You’re spending way too much time on that screen!”

But what if we shifted our approach? Instead, we could ask:

✔ “What’s so interesting about that game?”

✔ “What did you learn from that app today?”

✔ “Can you show me how that works?”

These kinds of questions create space for open conversations and helps build connection. It shows our children that we’re genuinely interested in their world—not just trying to control them. When we foster this trust, we can better understand their screen habits, guide them toward healthier tech use, and help them develop a balanced digital life.

3. Balance vs. Strict Rules

While setting boundaries is important, rigidly enforcing strict screen time limits can sometimes backfire. It can lead to resentment, create a sense of deprivation, and ultimately make technology even more enticing. Instead of focusing solely on how much time our children spend on screens, we should prioritize the quality of their screen time and the overall balance in their lives.

Flexibility is key. Life isn’t always predictable, and sometimes, our children may need or want extra screen time for learning, creative projects, or social connection. The ability to adapt and adjust is essential.

Rather than fixating on the clock, we can focus on fostering a healthy balance between screen use and other activities. 

A few guiding questions to consider:

✔ Are they engaging in real-world activities?

✔ Are they responsible with their chores?

✔ Are they experiencing negative emotions related to technology use?

✔ Can they engage in social situations?

✔ Are they too dependent on technology?

✔ Are they sleeping well and functioning appropriately?

✔ Is technology interfering with schoolwork or grades?

Another step is modeling mindful tech use. Setting clear intentions for ourselves—like saying, “I will spend 30 minutes learning a new skill on this app” or “I will check social media for 15 minutes and then focus on my work”—can help our children develop healthier habits too.

By shifting the focus from rigid rules to balance and intentionality, we empower our children to build a lifelong, healthy relationship with technology.

Staying informed, talking to other parents, reading more, and not being afraid to adjust our strategies as our child grows and technology evolves. The most important thing is to stay engaged, communicate openly with our children, and create a healthy balance between their digital and real-world lives.