Summer is here, and the kids are home. This often means their screens are constantly on. As a parent, you worry about their eyesight, their sleep, and their habits. But you also have work to do and can’t keep a watchful eye on them every minute. The goal isn’t to completely deprive them of screens. It’s about finding a balance between digital entertainment and real-world adventures.
Let’s turn the battle for screen time into a win-win situation. By working together as a family, we can create a fun and rewarding summer. Here are five simple strategies to help your children look up and enjoy the world around them.
1. How Much Screen Time Is Okay?
To begin, let’s set clear and simple goals. Experts offer age-based recommendations.
| Age Group | Recommended Maximum Daily Entertainment Screen Time | Screen Off Before Bed |
| 5–11 years | 1–2 hours, should not affect exercise, sleep, or socialising | At least 1 hour |
| 12–18 years | No strict limit; balance with studies, exercise, and sleep; suggest a “data budget” | At least 1 hour |
For children aged 5 to 11: Aim for 1 to 2 hours of screen time per day. This includes games, social media, and videos.
For teenagers aged 12 to 18: Create a screen budget together. For example, you could agree on 2 hours of screen-free time during the summer.
2. Talk it out: Make a family plan.
Rules work best when everyone agrees. Instead of simply setting limits, discuss them as a family. The Royal University of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) recommends this approach.
To understand how healthy your family’s screen time habits are, ask yourselves these four simple questions:
- Do we feel in control of our screen time?
- Do we have enough time for games, friends, and other activities?
- Do we get enough sleep?
- Do we eat healthy meals without screen distractions?
If you answer yes to these questions, you’re on the right track!
3. Build Healthy Daily Habits
Once you’ve created a family plan, here’s how to incorporate it into your daily routine.
Planning and Alternatives
Create a family schedule That Prioritizes important activities, such as exercise, reading, and chores.
Consider screen time as a future reward: Establish a “screen time” rule. For example, children should play outdoors for 30 minutes before using their devices.
Environment and Tools
Create “device-free zones”: Keep the dining room and bedrooms screen-free. This is especially important an hour before bedtime.
Dedicate a specific space for devices: Use the living room or study for playing games and watching videos. This will prevent screens from being used in bedrooms.
Digital Assistance
Use helpful tools like AirDroid parental controls. It has a feature that allows children to activate “Focus Mode independently.” This mode blocks distracting apps so they can concentrate on their studies. Only a parent can unlock it, which helps them develop self-control.
You can also set daily time limits remotely. Easily customise the rules and grant access to specific apps based on the day.
4. Offer kids engaging offline activities.
The best way to reduce screen time is to offer engaging alternatives. Kids are less likely to miss screens when they’re busy and happy.
Stay active: Aim for 60 minutes of physical activity each day. This could include soccer, cycling, or swimming. Look for local summer programs.
Read and create: Join your local library’s Summer Reading Challenge. Kids can win cool rewards. Or start a holiday research project where they document insects, plants, or stars.
Connect offline: Plan a bike ride with friends. Host a family board game night. Organise a tech-free tea party in the garden.
5. Protect your sleep with a solid routine.
Ultimately, a good summer starts and ends with a good night’s sleep. Screens can make it hard for kids to get a good night’s rest.
Maintain a consistent routine. Try to maintain a even bedtime and wake-up time, even in summer.
Avoid screens at night. Make sure all screens are turned off at least an hour before bedtime. The blue light from screens can interrupt sleep. If your child seems tired or can’t concentrate, be strict about enforcing this rule.
A balanced summer is a happy summer.
Managing screen time doesn’t have to be a constant struggle. It’s about teamwork, balance, and building healthy habits together. By connecting as a family and finding engaging offline activities, you can help your children have a wonderful time. They’ll be able to enjoy both the digital and real worlds.