Finding the balance: where to draw the line on your children’s screen time

Every parent faces a dilemma when it comes to the amount of screen time that their children can have. On one hand, it is crucial that children are IT literate to be able to thrive at school and – later in life – in the workforce. On the other hand, too much screen time can have negative effects on children’s mental and physical well-being. So where’s the line? From the benefits of technology to help a child learn, to what happens when children are allowed unfettered use of their devices, and how best to manage their screen time, experts share tips on how parents can prepare a suitable digital diet for their family. The pros and cons When used properly, technology can bring more colour to a child’s educational journey. “Screen time, when used intentionally and interactively, can be a powerful tool for learning, creativity and connection,” says Jason Prohaska, educational technologies lead at ESF. “Children can express ideas through digital drawing, storytelling or coding platforms, while tools like Minecraft Education can foster teamwork and problem-solving. There are also AI-powered learning apps that challenge students to solve problems and think deeply.” Niklas Blockert, a counsellor at Spot Children’s Therapy Centre, highlights that technology can be particularly useful for children who benefit from different pedagogical methods. “With technology, learning can more easily become a multisensory experience. This is particularly true for diverse learners who may require alternative methods and additional tools in order to maximise their learning experience,” he explains. “In this regard, the use of screens can help strengthen diversity, equity and inclusion in schools. Additionally, the use of screens can promote social connection, enrich real-life experiences, spark intellectual curiosity and much more.” As with all good things, too much technology can be a risk. Especially as it usually involves a child sitting still for periods of time. “Increased sedentary time can impact motor skills development and overall health,” says Prohaska. “Overuse of passive entertainment can replace active play and face-to-face interactions, which are critical for social-emotional learning.” Research suggests that social media overuse can contribute to loneliness, anxiety and self-esteem issues, he adds. “Studies have shown a correlation between overuse of screens and a range of physical and mental issues,” Blockert concurs. He lists poor sleep, obesity, chronic back and neck pain, anxiety and depression, delays in language development, and a shortened attention span as among the potential consequences of increased screen time in children’s lives. The magic formula for managing screen time for children includes discipline, purpose and balance. “The key isn’t eliminating screens, but ensuring technology use is purposeful, interactive and balanced with offline activities,” advises Prohaska. Children can express ideas through digital drawing, storytelling or coding platforms, while tools like Minecraft Education can foster teamwork and problem-solving Jason Prohaska, English Schools Foundation “Many parents believe their tech-savvy children don’t need guidance, but even with good digital skills, children may not fully understand safety and security risks,” notes Makky Fung, digital literacy learning leader at the Canadian International School of Hong Kong (CDNIS). “Some parents struggle with setting parental controls and checking privacy settings, making it difficult for them to help their children balance their screen time.” CDNIS holds sessions with parents covering the responsible use of technology, including actively monitoring children’s digital habits – and say that parents from other schools are welcome to reach out for guidance too. Some signs that children might have been indulging in their devices for too long include irritability when they are separated from screens, reduced enthusiasm for activities such as spending time outdoors, and lessened interest in face-to-face interactions with family and friends. Balancing study and play Managing screen time is one thing, but beyond that is managing how much time online should be divided between studying and fun. “It helps to structure screen time with clear categories,” advises Prohaska. “Apps for reading, maths and problem-solving can be used for learning time, while digital drawing, coding and storytelling apps can be used for creative time. Games or videos that are age-appropriate and aligned with family values are saved for entertainment and social time.” Another strategy is to designate some screen time as a family activity. Blockert suggests spending time with your children when they are online, which will help them draw a distinction between actively and passively consuming technology. “Active screen time is when children engage, create and learn, while passive screen time is what we often think of when discussions about screen time come up – the seemingly endless, mindless scrolling,” he says. Blockert adds that parents can take the opportunity to ensure any content their children are accessing is age-appropriate. “Many educational apps are enjoyable, allowing children to experience the joy of learning. When possible, parents can join in these games to make them more engaging,” says Fung from CDNIS. It’s also a good idea for parents to talk to their children to better understand how they’re using screen time, and find out what is a “need” and what is a “want”, especially for older children. “One question I often ask my adolescent clients is what one thing they would want to change about their parents if they could, and the answer is – surprisingly often – precisely ‘that they would stop making everything about the use of screens’,” says Blockert. “There seems to be an unnecessarily large disconnect between children’s and parents’ realities in this regard. I see a need to bridge this gap by facilitating conversations in families, conversations that acknowledge both these realities.” Screen time in schools Technology is a key part of education today, so while managing screen use at home is under the purview of parents, schools also need to decide how much to use it in their classrooms. “Schools balance technology use by thoughtfully integrating it into the curriculum. Teachers enhance learning with digital tools, enabling students to curate portfolios showcasing their progress,” explains Fung. “Clear guidelines on responsible use are set, and screen time is managed through group work and breaks,” she continues. “This approach combines digital tools, hands-on activities and face-to-face interactions, creating a well-rounded learning environment.” Prohaska from ESF says that schools are changing their emphasis from how much screen time students have, to how much that screen time is being used for learning. “The goal is to ensure that technology is a tool for engagement, creativity and critical thinking, rather than just passive consumption,” he says. In addition, Prohaska says that schools are responding to research that highlights the impact of social media as a major distraction in learning environments: “Many schools are now reassessing their policies around mobile phone use, with a growing number banning phones during school hours to help students focus, reduce social comparison and encourage face-to-face interactions.” Ultimately, when it comes to technology, Prohaska says the critical factor is how it is being used: “If we engage with it intentionally, we create opportunities for children to explore, learn and connect in ways that prepare them for the future. A balanced, thoughtful approach ensures children grow up as capable, ethical and mindful digital citizens.”

Finding the balance: where to draw the line on your children’s screen time

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Expert tips on the right amount of screen time for children to avoid negative effects on their health and development

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;}The pros and cons

Expert tips on the right amount of screen time for children to avoid negative effects on their health and development

The pros and cons