Guides

Screen time: questions to talk through as a family

Advice on screen time changes, and families have very different situations. Rather than one number of hours, it can help to think about a few questions.

Is it affecting sleep?

Screens in the bedroom late at night are one of the most common causes of poor sleep in children and teenagers. Many families agree that devices charge outside bedrooms overnight.

What are they doing?

A video call with grandparents, a coding project and hours of short videos are not the same. Ask your child to show you what they use and why they like it.

Is it replacing other things?

Check that there is still time for sleep, physical activity, homework, friends and family meals.

Family agreements

Agree rules together and write them down, such as no phones at meals. Rules that apply to the adults as well tend to last longer.

Offline alternatives

Board games and card games are an easy way to spend time together without screens. A traditional game like Durak can be learned in an evening and played with two to six people, and its rules are simple once you have played a few hands.

Common questions

Is there a recommended number of hours?

For young children there is guidance. The World Health Organization advises no sedentary screen time for children under two and no more than one hour a day for children aged two to four. For older children most health bodies now suggest a family plan built around sleep, school and activity rather than a fixed number.

Should phones stay out of bedrooms?

Many families find it is the single change that helps most, because it protects sleep. Charging devices in a shared room overnight is a simple way to do it.

What if my child plays games with friends online?

Ask who they play with, look at the game together and check the age rating and the chat settings. Agree what they should do if someone they do not know contacts them.