Parents, screen time and digital technology use: role-modelling for children

What is healthy screen time and digital technology use?

A healthy approach to screen time and digital technology use is balanced and positive.

It’s about what you use digital technology for, when you choose to use it, who you use it with, and how much time you spend using it. It’s also about getting a healthy mix of non-digital and digital activities into your life.

How your screen time and digital technology use influences children

Your choices about screen time and digital technology use can have a positive influence on the way your child uses screens. Children develop healthy screen time habits when they see you and other key role models using digital technology in healthy, balanced ways.

You can have this kind of influence simply by making regular, screen-free time for your own activities and family activities like walking, reading, eating and just talking. When you do this, it sends your child a couple of key messages:

There are many ways to entertain yourself, relax and have fun – and not all of them involve digital technology.
Family time is one of the most important ways to spend time.

And when you do use digital technology, it’s important for your child to see you using it in productive, creative and social ways. For example, you might use your device to listen to music, draw, exercise or meditate. Or you might have a regular video call with extended family or a regular online gaming session with friends.

When you use digital technology in this way, it sends the message that digital technology use and screen time can be positive.

To grow and thrive, children need warm, responsive interactions with parents. But digital technology can sometimes get in the way of these kinds of interactions – for example, if parents interrupt conversations with children to check text messages. So when you’re talking or playing with your child, it’s great if you can put aside your devices and focus on what’s important to your child.

Role-modelling healthy screen time and digital technology use: tips

Here are ideas for using digital technology in healthy and positive ways. These ideas can help you set an example of balancing digital and non-digital activities for your child:

What you use digital technology for

Use digital technology in creative and healthy ways – for example, for creative activities like drawing, wellbeing activities like meditation, or health activities like fitness tracking.
Avoid always entertaining your child with screen time in situations like long car journeys or appointments. Try mixing it up with things like car karaoke, alphabet search, ‘I spy’, reading or drawing.

When you use digital technology

If you get a text message or social media notification while you’re talking to someone, especially your child, wait until the conversation is finished before you check it.
Try not to have your phone, tablet or laptop in your bedroom at night. Charge your devices overnight in a family area, and teach your child to do the same.
Switch off the TV at family mealtimes or when it’s ‘on in the background’. You could try listening to music instead.

Who you use digital technology with

Use digital technology for keeping in touch with friends or family who live far away – for example, with weekly video calls or online board games.
Share screen time with your child. Playing a game, watching a show, making a playlist, or researching offline activities you could do together lets you turn screen time into family time. This is a good balance for solo screen use.

How much time you spend using digital technology

Set aside some screen-free time each day, so you can be ‘in the moment’ with your child. This could be when your child gets home from school or you get home from work, during family mealtimes, when you’re watching your child play sport, when you’re at the park with your child and so on.
Work together with your child to create a family media plan. You could include things like no mobiles phone at mealtimes. Then make sure you follow the guidelines in the plan too!
Take breaks and move around regularly when you’re using digital technology. And use your device at eye level for good posture.

Keep track of your screen time for a week. Include everything – TV, video games, social media, texts and so on. If you think you’re using digital technology more than you’d like to, reduce your use. Try logging out of social media apps to stop yourself from constantly checking them, turn off notifications or put your phone in another room while you’re working.

Role-modelling healthy social media use: tips

Healthy social media use can keep you connected with friends and interests, the latest news, your child’s school and sports activities, and so on. If you use and enjoy social media, there are plenty of ways you can be a role model for your child.

Safe and responsible social media use

Regularly check the privacy settings on your social media accounts.
Take care of your digital footprint by being careful about the photos and comments you post and the photos and comments you’re tagged in.
Show your child any scam or phishing messages you receive and talk about how you can tell they’re fake.

Healthy social media use
Turn off notifications, and look at social media only when it suits you.

Respectful social media use

Make sure you’re always respectful in your posts.
Ask your child for permission before you post a photo of them or share information about them on social media.

Relationships and social media

Talk about your social media use with your child. This will encourage your child to be open about their social media use too.
Sharing content with each other can be a great way to talk about the things you both like and think are important.
Talk with your child about following each other on social media. This can be a great way to share your child’s interests. Younger teenagers might be OK with this, but older teenagers might not want you to follow them.

If your screen time feels out of control, try to change the ways you use technology. If you’re finding it hard, look for support from friends, family or a professional. If your child sees you trying to manage your screen time, this sets a good example for them too.