5 tips to set healthy screen time boundaries
Managing screen time for teenagers can feel like an endless tug-of-war. Between schoolwork, socialising, and entertainment, screens are a central part of their lives. While they can be helpful tools, it’s important to ensure technology doesn’t take over.
Here’s the good news: Setting boundaries doesn’t have to be a battle. It’s about teaching teens how to manage their time and showing them that they have the power to take control - because screens are designed to steal it.
Here’s 5 practical tips for creating healthy screen habits with your teen:
1. Lead by example
Your teens are always watching - more than you might think! If you’re constantly scrolling on your phone, it sends the message that screen time isn’t a priority to manage.
Modelling healthy habits:
Set screen-free times for yourself (e.g., during meals or an hour before bedtime).
Share with your teen how you balance work and leisure with technology.
Encourage family activities without screens, like board games or outdoor adventures.
By demonstrating intentional screen use, you’re showing them it’s possible to stay in control.
2. Collaborate on screen time limits
Teenagers crave independence, and that’s why including them in the process of setting limits can be so effective. Instead of enforcing strict rules, work together to create boundaries that feel fair.
What to try:
Sit down and discuss how much screen time feels reasonable for school, socialising, and entertainment.
Agree on “no-screen” zones like bedrooms at night or family dinners.
Emphasise that the goal is not to punish but to prioritise their well-being.
3. Teach the value of time
A parent recently shared this wisdom with me, and it’s one of my favourite perspectives: “We have power over our time, but screens are designed to steal it.” Helping teens understand this can shift their mindset about technology.
Try saying:
“Every time you spend an hour on your phone, that’s an hour you didn’t spend on something meaningful to you - like practicing a hobby or hanging out with friends.”
Encourage them to track how much time they spend on screens and how they feel afterward. This reflection can be eye-opening and empower them to make better choices.
4. Create screen-free rituals
Routines can help make screen-free time feel natural and enjoyable. Incorporating daily or weekly habits that don’t involve screens can help your teen reset and recharge.
Ideas for screen-free rituals:
Family dinners where everyone shares a highlight of their day.
Evening walks or a weekly family hike.
Designated “creative hours” where everyone reads, writes, draws, or works on a non-digital project.
5. Be compassionate and flexible
Finally, remember that no plan is perfect, and teenagers need space to learn and adapt. There will be days when limits are exceeded or a family rule gets broken - and that’s okay.
How to approach these moments:
Instead of reacting with frustration, start a conversation: “What made it hard to stick to our agreement today?”
Offer them ways to reflect and adjust: “Do you think we need to change something about the limits we set, or how we stick to them?”
This teaches them that boundaries are not about punishment but growth, and that mistakes are part of learning.