6 Ways to Limit Your Child’s Screen Time

Screens are a normal part of daily life for most families. Whether it’s for homework, gaming, or entertainment, children are spending more time than ever in front of screens. While technology can support learning and connection, it’s important to find a healthy balance as screen use continues to rise among kids and teens.

So, how much screen time is too much?

According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the Kaiser Family Foundation, kids ages 8–18 now spend an average of 7.5 hours each day using screens for entertainment, and 4.5 of those hours watching TV. That adds up to more than 100 full days a year and these numbers don’t include school-related screen time.

Experts have voiced concerns about the negative effects of screen time on child development. Excessive screen use has been linked to:

• Increased risk of childhood obesity
• Shorter attention spans and academic struggles
• Sleep disruptions and mood changes
• More exposure to harmful content or advertising
• Higher risk of aggressive or impulsive behavior

Because of these concerns, many families are asking: How can we limit screen time in a way this both practical and effective?

Here are several strategies to help you reduce screen time at home and promote healthier habits:

1. Talk with your child about screen use.
Start by opening up a conversation. Habits are hard to break, but they're easier to adjust with honesty and consistency. Help your child understand why limits are important, and involve them in setting boundaries. Learning how to limit screen time is a shared process.

2. Follow screen time recommendations by age.
Limit screen time for young children to one hour of quality, educational content daily, and set rules for older to balance screens with sleep, exercise, homework and social time.

3. Set a consistent schedule.
Create a daily routine that includes designated times for screen use. Whether it’s a set window after homework or a no-screens-before-breakfast rule, structure helps kids know what to expect. Use timers if needed to enforce limits gently but clearly.

4. Use parental controls for screen time.
There are many digital tools that can help you monitor or limit screen time. Apps like Bark, Google Family Link, Apple Screen Tim, Qustodio, and Aura offer parental controls for screen time, including activity tracking, time limits, and content filters. These tools are especially useful for older children with their own devices.

5. Be a positive role model.
Children notice how adults use technology. Set the tone by limiting your own screen use when possible—especially during meals, family activities, or before bed. Show them what balance looks like in everyday life.

6. Make bedrooms screen-free zones.
Keeping screens out of the bedroom can improve sleep quality and reduce unmonitored use. Designate shared family spaces for tech use so you can better supervise what your child is watching or doing online.

7. Create tech-free times.
Establish times during the day when everyone in the family unplugs. Mealtimes, car rides, or game nights are great opportunities for face-to-face connection. Having these boundaries encourages children to enjoy other activities without needing a screen.

8. Encourage screen-free alternatives.
Help your child explore hobbies that don’t involve screens like reading, outdoor play, art, music, or building something creative. The more engaging these alternatives are, the easier it becomes to limit screen time without pushback.

Finding balance doesn’t mean cutting screens out completely, it means using them intentionally. With the right boundaries and tools, your family can enjoy the benefits of technology while protecting your child’s development and well-being.