The smartphone has a powerful attraction, no matter your age. All the stimuli and endless possibilities create a strong urge to look at your screen. Setting screen time limits can help in finding a healthy balance.
But how does this work in practice? We’re here to help guide you.
- Establish clear agreements together
Make sure to set clear rules together—ones that everyone can get behind. When setting up their phone for the first time, or later if needed, ask your child how much time they think is reasonable on different apps or games. You may be surprised at how reasonable they are with their choices. This approach gives your child a sense of control and shared responsibility. You can also use the Family settings on your phone to limit time on each app (highly recommended!). Keep in mind that if they want to outsmart you, they probably will. So, try to avoid turning this into a game, as this game knows no winners.
- Regular checks
Family settings give you insight into your child’s actual screen time. You can review this at the end of each week to ensure their phone use aligns with the agreed limits.
- Discuss appropriate moments of use
Consider how times like breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as sitting in the car, on the bike, or right before bed may not be the right moments to be on the phone.
- Pay attention
Spend a minute or two at the end of your child’s screen time to ask if they want to show you something—like a clip, a trick in a game, a score, or a post. This bridges learning about their online world with having a conversation with each other. Doing things together also helps a lot. Think of for example, baking, playing a game, making something, or just spending time outside.
