Managing screen time is a major challenge for parents and caregivers. With the rapid rise in technology usage, children and teens are exposed to screens more than ever, from smartphones and tablets to gaming systems and laptops. While screens can be educational and entertaining, balancing their use is crucial for a child's mental and emotional well-being.
A study from the Yale School of Medicine found that excessive screen time is linked to increased mental health symptoms in children, including anxiety, depression, and attention issues. Activities like video chatting, texting, and gaming can negatively impact children when not managed effectively. These findings underscore the importance of teaching children how to use screens responsibly and setting healthy boundaries around technology use.
At Aurora School, we understand the complexity of this issue. In response to parent requests, last year we hosted a Parent Education Night, "Building Healthy Boundaries & Screen Management," led by education expert Dana Rosenberg, will offer parents practical strategies to help their children navigate the digital world while maintaining their emotional well-being.
Setting Boundaries for a Healthier Future
The surge in screen time, particularly after the pandemic, has made it harder for children to disconnect from devices. As a result, parents often feel overwhelmed and unsure of how much screen time is too much and how it might be affecting their child's development. In fact, according to a Pew Research Center study, 44% of teens report feeling anxious when they don't have access to their smartphones, which highlights the emotional toll technology can take.
Making Digital Interactions Positive and Beneficial
The goals of managing screen time are fairly simple:
- Build healthy boundaries around screen time that work for their unique family dynamic.
- Mentor children in decision-making, helping them learn how to self-regulate their tech use.
- Foster a balanced family culture where technology is a tool, not a source of stress or anxiety.
Practical Tools for Screen Management
One key takeaway from this workshop is learning that you don't need to get it right 100% of the time, but setting predictable, clear limits around screens can drastically reduce conflict and confusion.
Other practical strategies include:
- Setting a family media plan.
- Creating "tech-free" zones in the home.
- Promoting physical activities and real-life interactions to balance screen time.