Screen Time

Is My Child Addicted to Screen Time?

You’ll know your child is addicted to screen time if he or she:

• Throws extreme tantrums when device is taken away
• Starts telling lies about what he or she has been doing on the device, or telling lies to get more screen time
• Displays anti-social responses or behaviours to get more screen time
• Is unwilling to share the device, or to return device to parents when asked
• Has poor sleep quality and quantity
• Has shortened attention span and is easily agitated without screen time

What can you do?

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to tackling screen addiction. Generally, parents can try the following suggestions to wean their children off screen time:

• Establish family screen-time rule, for example:
  • Set screen free zones and times in your home
  • Set specific times that the devices are off limits (e.g. one hour before sleep)
  • Set specific screen time daily or weekly
  • Set screen-free time outside the house as well (e.g. car rides, meal times in restaurants etc.)
  • Agree on conditions of using screen devices (e.g. only with permission or after finishing homework, etc.)
• Use WIFI routers with parental controls setup or parental control apps to manage screen time and content exposure (for example, FamilyTime and Kidslox).
• Do a “media fast” or go “cold turkey”. As you do this, be prepared to face meltdowns and tantrums, and be firm when you face them. Once past “cold turkey” tipping point, children can be re-wired to not rely on screen time and cut down the need to be stimulated by screens.
• Replace device usage with alternative offline activities.
• Be a good role model and be mindful of your own device usage around your child.
• If your child is resistant and still refuses to give up the device, try these:
  • Remind your child of the rules agreed on. Both parents must be consistent in enforcing the consequences when the rules have been broken.
  • Be firm and explain why they should not be using the device.
  • Discipline if needed. If you give in when they cry or whine, they may learn that crying or whining will get them what they want.