By Marin Cristian-Ovidiu

These days, it’s not unusual to see little kids swiping away on tablets and smartphones like pros. These ‘iPad babies’ are spending more and more time glued to screens, causing parents to worry about how it’s affecting their growth and behavior. 

One 2023 study showed that kids aged 6 to 14 spend an average of 2.77 hours a day on screens, with nearly half of them clocking in at least 2 hours daily. It’s no wonder parents are desperately seeking out ways to handle screen time without the constant battles.

Parents need to strike a balance so kids can enjoy technology without it taking over their lives. With these expert tips, you can help your child develop healthy habits across different age groups:

Children Under 6: At this age, children are rapidly developing cognitive and motor skills through hands-on activities and interactive play. They need a variety of non-screen activities to support their overall growth.

Interactive Play: Encourage interactive play that doesn’t involve screens, such as building blocks, drawing, or playing outside.

Scheduled Screen Time: Set a daily limit on screen time and stick to it. Use a timer to make it fun and predictable.

Co-Viewing: Watch educational programs together and engage in discussions to make screen time more interactive and meaningful.

Ages 7-11: Children in this age group are increasingly using technology for both education and entertainment. Parents should guide them towards productive screen use while ensuring they have ample opportunities for physical and social activities.

Educational Apps: Incorporate educational apps and games that promote learning and creativity.

Screen-Free Zones: Designate certain areas of the house, like the dining room and bedrooms, as screen-free zones.

Active Breaks: Encourage breaks during screen time for physical activities like stretching or a quick game of catch.

Ages 12-15: Preteens and teens start seeking more independence, including in their screen use. Setting clear boundaries and promoting offline interests is key to maintaining a healthy balance.

Set Boundaries: Clearly define screen time limits and involve your child in setting these boundaries to ensure they understand the importance.

Encourage Hobbies: Promote offline hobbies and interests, such as sports, reading, or arts and crafts, to provide alternative sources of entertainment.

Tech-Free Time: Establish tech-free times, especially during family meals and before bedtime, to foster family interaction and improve sleep quality. 

Ages 16+: Older teens are preparing for adulthood and need to learn how to manage their own screen time responsibly. Encouraging self-regulation and setting a good example are essential strategies.

Self-Regulation: Teach teens about the importance of self-regulating their screen time and the potential impacts on their health and well-being.

Healthy Balance: Encourage a healthy balance between screen time and other activities, such as physical exercise and socializing with friends in person.

Role Modeling: Lead by example. Show your teens that you also prioritize screen-free time and engage in various offline activities.

Managing screen time is key for children’s growth. It’s not just about cutting down on screen time but making sure it’s used well and balanced with other activities. Setting clear rules and encouraging different interests can help kids develop good digital habits. 

FreezeNova CEO Marin Cristian-Ovidiu has 10+ years of experience in game design and development. FreezeNova’s mission is to develop and publish fun, accessible games that can be enjoyed online by everyone.