Balancing Screen Time: Insights from a Play Therapist
With summer well under way, you may be looking at your kids and wondering if all they have done this summer is sit in front of a screen. As a play therapist, I often encounter questions about managing screen time for kids of all ages. Many parents, like myself, face this dilemma with their little ones. So how do we begin to navigate the different sources of information on how much is “too much” while also balancing our own needs both as an individual and within the family system.
Research Recommendations for Early Childhood
Research supports avoiding or limiting screen time for children under two years of age. Screens can provide overstimulation without giving children the time to process what they are seeing. When infants first enter the world they are truly beginning to orient to the outside world. Looking at faces, feeling the air outside, listening to music are all more than enough stimuli for a developing brain.
Managing Screen Time for Young Children
For families who rely on screens for various factors such as limited support, lack of daycare or just a preference, it’s important to look at the type of content children are being exposed to. Many of the shows today are developed with high frequency imaging and colours leaving the viewer wanting more. Look for options that are less flashy in nature and avoid frequent scene changes to minimize overstimulation. I also recommend clearly defining the parameters for screen access by utilizing appropriate parental controls. For instance, when using streaming services like Netflix, ensure parental controls are enabled to restrict access to age-inappropriate content. Similarly, if your child is using a smartphone, activating parental lock features can help manage and monitor their usage.
These measures can provide peace of mind by limiting the content your child can access, even if you are temporarily unable to supervise. When allowing access to platforms such as YouTube, be aware of the potential for exposure to content driven by curiosity. Given the challenges associated with screening YouTube content—such as the presence of adult material marketed to children and various advertisements—it's crucial to remain vigilant and implement additional safeguards where possible.
Managing Screen Time for Teenagers
For teenagers, the dynamics shift. Screen time is often integrated into their social lives, expression of self, educational experiences and entertainment. While it’s important to set clear boundaries and guidelines around screen time, teens are also at a stage where they are developing independence. The role as caregiver begins to shift to educator in order to engage in open communication about screen use. Discuss the potential impacts of excessive screen time on their sleep and mood, risks of sharing personal information or photos online and how content can impact overall well-being. Encourage a balance between screen use and offline activities. Remember that children and teens are watching how caregivers and those around them interact with the world, role modelling healthy screen habits for yourself is also important.
Implementing “Screen Breaks” for All Ages
The idea of moving into a completely screen-free environment may seem tempting for some families, especially after periods of extended use often accompanied by behavioural changes. Finding the right balance with screen time doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Many families choose to implement “screen breaks,” where they periodically reduce or eliminate screen time, then reintroduce as needed. From my experience working with children and youth, limiting screens any amount from what they are used to can pose some challenges during the initial adjustment period. However, after a couple of weeks, kids begin to adapt, explore other interests, and find new ways to engage with their environment.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether managing screen time for toddlers or teenagers, the goal is to find a routine that supports your family’s needs and well-being. Stay flexible and attentive to your child’s development and circumstances. With thoughtful guidance and open communication, you can help your children develop a balanced relationship with screens. Good luck on your journey to creating a healthy screen time routine for your family!
Kimberly Embleton RSW, MSW
Connect & Play Counselling and Consulting
