Finding the balance: where to draw the line on your children’s screen time
Expert tips on the right amount of screen time for children to avoid negative effects on their health and development
Every parent faces a dilemma when it comes to the amount of screen time that their children can have. On one hand, it is crucial that children are IT literate to be able to thrive at school and – later in life – in the workforce. On the other hand, too much screen time can have negative effects on children’s mental and physical well-being. So where’s the line?
From the benefits of technology to help a child learn, to what happens when children are allowed unfettered use of their devices, and how best to manage their screen time, experts share tips on how parents can prepare a suitable digital diet for their family.
The pros and cons
When used properly, technology can bring more colour to a child’s educational journey.
“Screen time, when used intentionally and interactively, can be a powerful tool for learning, creativity and connection,” says Jason Prohaska, educational technologies lead at ESF. “Children can express ideas through digital drawing, storytelling or coding platforms, while tools like Minecraft Education can foster teamwork and problem-solving. There are also AI-powered learning apps that challenge students to solve problems and think deeply.”
Niklas Blockert, a counsellor at Spot Children’s Therapy Centre, highlights that technology can be particularly useful for children who benefit from different pedagogical methods.
“With technology, learning can more easily become a multisensory experience. This is particularly true for diverse learners who may require alternative methods and additional tools in order to maximise their learning experience,” he explains.