Screens are part of how children learn, play and stay in touch. The question for parents is rarely whether to allow screens, but how to keep them in balance with sleep, school, play and family time.
Warning signs
- Intense anger or distress when screen time ends.
- Losing interest in friends, outdoor play or hobbies they used to enjoy.
- Falling grades, skipped homework or refusing to go to school.
- Late nights online and tiredness during the day.
- Secrecy about what they do online or how long they spend.
Simple steps at home
- Agree on screen-free times and places together, such as meals and the hour before bed.
- Keep devices out of the bedroom at night.
- Make offline time inviting: games, sport, reading and time with you.
- Model the habits you want to see. Children copy what adults do more than what they say.
When to seek help
If screen use is causing ongoing conflict, or your child seems withdrawn, anxious or low, a child psychiatrist can help work out what is going on underneath and support the whole family.