Healthy screen habits at home: Tips for parents
The first step is to become aware of your own screen habits as a parent. When screens distract, precious moments of learning, interaction, and family life can be lost. Regular phone use in front of your child can reduce the attention you give them to meet their needs and may negatively impact their development, safety, and behaviour.
10 tips for parents on their own screen use
- Take a moment to assess your own screen use (duration, content, and impact on family time).
- Set an example of healthy and balanced screen use.
- Put your screens away during family time (at meals, when tucking your child in at bedtime).
- Put your phone down when your child is talking to you and needs your attention.
- Be present and attentive when they are playing or participating in an activity: they like to be encouraged.
- Supervise your child in environments where extra caution is needed (e.g., at the park, pool, on a bike, etc.). This will reduce the risk of injury.
- Use your phone around your child only when necessary (calls, searches, useful apps) and avoid checking it for no reason, such as for social media.
- Use time spent in waiting rooms with your child to help them discover their surroundings, what they see, what they hear, and the people around them.
- Turn screens off in the background: they can still distract and take away from family time, even if no one is watching.
- Take the time to learn about the risks associated with prolonged screen use on your child's health and development.
10 tips for parents and families at home
1. Follow screen use recommendations based on age
Remember: no screens for ages 0 to 2, a maximum of one hour for ages 2 to 5, and a maximum of two hours per day for ages 6 and up. Less is always better!
Instead: set clear rules for screen use at home. Replace screens with activities such as reading, outdoor play, or crafts.
What matters most is how much time we spend online, what we watch, when we use screens, and how it makes us feel—especially during times when we might feel more vulnerable.
2. Avoid screens during meals
This is the perfect time to talk and strengthen family bonds.
Instead: turn off all screens, even those in the background, and take time together to go around the table, letting everyone share a memory, a story, or a highlight from their day.
3. Avoid using screens to calm or distract children
Children need to learn how to manage their emotions, and sometimes they’ll need your help.
Instead: offer comfort by encouraging closeness, conversation, or a quiet activity like drawing, reading a book, etc.
4. Screens should not be used to reward or punish
Using screens as a reward makes them even more attractive to children, and they risk behaving well just to get a reward.
Instead: offer them a choice of activities to do with you or treat them to a special privilege, such as inviting a friend over. Don't forget to praise them with kind words, such as: “You can be proud of yourself!”
5. Avoid exposing children to screens before bedtime
Screens interfere with sleep.
Instead: create a routine that helps your child wind down, such as taking a bath, reading, or chatting about their day.
6. Think twice before posting photos, videos, or information about your child on social media
Without meaning to, you could expose your child to risks such as identity theft, exploitation or online bullying.
Instead: before posting, ask yourself whether it might embarrass your child or cause problems later on. Also, remind friends and family not to share photos or information about your child without your permission.
7. Lead by example
Your child looks up to you and often imitates what you do. Whether it’s healthy eating, alcohol use, or physical activity, the best way to guide them is by being a positive role model.
Instead: reserve screens for times when your child is not around, such as when they are in bed. Enjoy quality time with your loved ones, without distractions.
8. Don’t allow screens in bedrooms
Children are less likely to access inappropriate content when screens are used in shared spaces where parents can supervise.
Instead: keep screens in the living room or other shared spaces.
9. Take an interest in what your child or teen is viewing on screens and social media
It’s an opportunity to guide them, explain certain content, and encourage critical thinking about what they watch.
10. Offer activities other than screens when you need to keep your child busy while you do household chores (preparing meals, folding laundry, etc.)
Even young children can help by matching socks, playing with plastic bowls and utensils, putting away their toys, etc. You can also involve them in meal preparation with simple, safe tasks.
Remember: adopting healthy, balanced screen habits as a family doesn’t mean aiming for perfection. It’s about making mindful choices every day. Parents play a key role through their presence, attention, and the example they set, shaping their child's development, safety, and well-being.
By setting clear rules at home, prioritizing screen-free moments, and offering a variety of activities, you help create a safe and supportive environment that is conducive to learning. Every little bit counts. By reducing screens, you leave more room for interaction, play, movement and family bonding, which are essential for children to grow up healthy.
To learn more : For screen use that feels good | PAUSE
