“My child is always on their phone or tablet. Is this affecting their development?”

This is one of the most common concerns parents have today. As technology becomes an increasingly important part of education and learning, children are spending more time using smartphones, tablets, computers and other digital devices both at home and at school.

The important question is not simply how much screen time children have, but how they are using technology and what that screen time may be replacing.

For parents and schools, the goal should be to help children develop healthy screen habits that support their learning, wellbeing and overall development.

Is Screen Time Bad for Children?

Not all screen time is equal.

Using a tablet for an educational activity, researching a school project, attending an online lesson or creating a presentation is very different from spending hours passively scrolling through social media or watching videos.

The key consideration is balance.

When excessive screen use replaces important parts of childhood, such as sleep, physical activity, outdoor play, face-to-face conversations, reading and social interaction, it can affect a child’s overall wellbeing and ability to thrive at school.

However, when technology is used intentionally alongside these activities, it can become a valuable tool for learning, creativity and communication.

How Screen Time Can Affect Learning

Children need a healthy balance between digital learning and other educational experiences.

Too much recreational screen time may reduce opportunities for activities that support children’s development, including reading, imaginative play, physical activity and meaningful interaction with parents, teachers and classmates.

For school-age children, creating this balance can help them remain focused on their academic work and learning, while still enjoying the benefits of technology.

Schools and parents can work together to establish consistent expectations around technology use, both inside and outside the classroom.

Practical Screen Time Strategies for Parents

Managing screen time doesn’t have to mean completely taking devices away. Instead, parents can establish simple routines that encourage healthier digital habits.

1. Create Screen-Free Zones

Set clear times and places where devices are put away. The dinner table, bedrooms at night and family conversations are good places to start.

Parents can also consider keeping the first 30 minutes after school screen-free, giving children time to eat, relax, talk about their day or complete other activities before using a device.

2. Take an Interest in What Your Child Is Watching

Co-view content occasionally and ask questions about what your child is watching, playing or learning online.

This gives parents an opportunity to understand their child’s digital experiences while encouraging conversations about online safety, responsible technology use and critical thinking.

3. Model Healthy Digital Behaviour

Children learn from the adults around them.

If parents want children to put their phones away during meals, conversations or family activities, they should try to do the same. Demonstrating healthy technology habits can be more effective than simply setting rules.

4. Encourage Reading, Play and Physical Activity

Make time for activities that don’t involve screens.

Reading books, playing outdoors, participating in sports, engaging in creative activities and spending time with friends and family are all important parts of a child’s development.

For school children, these activities can also complement what they learn in the classroom and support the development of communication, creativity, teamwork and problem-solving skills.

5. Work With Your Child’s School

Parents don’t have to manage technology habits alone.

Teachers and schools can provide guidance on digital learning, responsible technology use and online safety. When parents and schools communicate and maintain consistent expectations, children are more likely to develop healthy habits that work both at home and in the classroom.

Helping Children Develop Healthy Digital Habits

Technology is now an important part of modern education. From digital classrooms and educational resources to research and communication, children will continue to interact with technology throughout their education and future careers.

The aim, therefore, isn’t to eliminate screen time completely. It is to help children understand when technology is useful, when it is time to put the device away and how to use digital tools responsibly.

For parents, teachers and schools, creating this balance can help children get the best of both worlds: the opportunities technology provides and the real-world experiences they need to learn, grow and thrive.

Healthy digital habits begin with simple steps: clear boundaries, open conversations, active lifestyles and positive examples.

Together, parents and schools can help children become confident, responsible and balanced digital learners.