Research indicates a correlation between parental screen time and child screen time, with a 2024 study identifying parental digital consumption as a significant predictor of a child's device usage. Psychologist Jean Twenge, author of "10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World," states that parental modeling of technology use, such as refraining from phone use at the dinner table, can influence teen behavior.
Digital parenting coach Elizabeth Milovidov notes that managing household tasks often necessitates online activity, posing challenges for parents aiming to limit their screen time. However, moderated parental technology use is suggested as a method to model judicious digital habits for children. Reduced offline time is posited to support family connections and promote activities such as sleep, in-person social interaction, exercise, and reading.
Strategies for Balanced Screen Time
- Urgency Assessment: Milovidov suggests evaluating the urgency of digital responses when with family. Prioritizing immediate interaction over non-urgent digital tasks is advised.
- Explaining Device Use (Phubbing): The term "phubbing" refers to the act of neglecting individuals in favor of a digital device. Twenge indicates that this action can communicate a message of lower importance to the other person, particularly to children. Research suggests that phubbing may negatively impact emotional intelligence in young children and reduce feelings of connection between parents and children. When device use is necessary in the presence of children, Twenge recommends verbalizing the activity and its purpose to mitigate potential negative perceptions. For example, explaining an email response during a meal and subsequently dedicating time to family interaction can serve as a countermeasure.
- Quality of Screen Time: Milovidov advises evaluating the impact of device usage on physical health, sleep, social connections, and emotional well-being. The emphasis is placed on the quality of screen time rather than solely its quantity. Examples include beneficial interactions like video calls with family versus activities like prolonged media consumption impacting sleep or extended social media use. Following such observations, adjustments to screen time habits can be implemented, such as reallocating specific digital activities to different times or utilizing applications to limit social media engagement.
- Device-Free Bedrooms: Twenge states that the proximity of devices, even in airplane mode, can reduce sleep quality due to accessibility, stimulating content, and screen light affecting circadian rhythms. A 2023 Common Sense Media report indicated that 60% of adolescents aged 11-17 used phones during overnight school hours. Implementing device-free bedrooms for parents, consistent with rules for children, is suggested, recommending communal charging stations or timed lockboxes for device storage.
- Device-Free Zones and Schedules: Milovidov suggests designating specific functions and locations for digital devices within the home, such as a computer for work at a desk or a tablet for reading in a designated living room area. This approach aims to establish device-free zones. The strategy can also be applied to daily schedules, beyond established safety-related bans (e.g., during driving or bath time), to include periods like mealtimes, family movie nights, or vacations, thereby encouraging family focus.
Milovidov indicates that absolute abstinence from internet use or negative self-perception regarding screen time is not requisite for effective digital parenting. Acknowledging the absence of a fixed methodology, she advises self-compassion when perceived errors occur, promoting the ability to re-establish desired habits.