Excessive Screen Time

Kids and teens are spending more time in front of screens than ever before. According to a 2024 Pew Research study, nearly half of teens are now online “almost constantly,” a significant jump from just 24% a decade ago.

Excessive screen time can negatively affect cognitive, language, and social-emotional development, including academic performance, communication, and emotional well-being.

Guidance

Encourage Healthy Habits

Promote offline activities that build confidence and strengthen connections.
Encourage creative and productive screen use, like listening to music or video chatting with friends.
Lead by example with balanced screen habits.

Set Clear Guidelines

Create screen-free zones, such as during meals or before bedtime.
Use device settings to limit screen time and restrict certain platforms.
Ensure screens are avoided at least an hour before bedtime to prioritize sleep.

Discuss the Risks

Explore screen time together by sharing usage data and learning about their favorite apps or activities.
Have honest conversations about the potential risks of excessive screen use, including its impact on mental health.
Share your concerns and actively listen to their perspective to foster trust and understanding.

Other Considerations

While screen time quantity is important, the quality of content matters too. Harmful or upsetting content can have a lasting impact.
Try a family challenge: reduce screen time for a week and observe changes, such as better homework completion, earlier bedtimes, or more family time.
Screen time often spikes during stressful times. Be mindful of its role as an escape and discuss healthier coping strategies.
Teens may find it challenging to regulate screen use on their own. Your support and guidance can make a significant difference.
Excessive screen use can lead to social isolation. Encourage in-person interactions whenever possible.

Conversation Starters

Ask them about their favorite apps or games and why they enjoy them to better understand their interests and online activities.
Recognize that their time online often serves more than entertainment—it may offer connection, creativity, or stress relief.
Spend a few minutes exploring their apps or games with them — or better yet, let them teach you how to use one — to build connection and learn about their digital world.
Talk about their screen habits, including how much time they spend online and how it aligns with their goals.
Ask if they’ve ever felt distracted or stressed by screen use and discuss ways to reset, like taking breaks or setting limits.
Share your own experiences with screen time, including how it affects you and the strategies you use to stay balanced.