Phones & Screen Time
How much screen time is safe?
What to know
The essentials
- What media displaces can matter as much as the total time used.
- Sleep and device-free routines are strong places to begin.
- Shared household expectations are easier to understand than constant case-by-case negotiation.
What to notice
Look for patterns, not one imperfect moment.
- 01Using screens late into the night or waking to check them
- 02Losing interest in offline relationships or activities
- 03Repeated conflict or inability to stop at agreed times
- 04Use that is secretive, distressing, or tied to worsening mood
A shared routine makes the boundary visible, predictable, and less isolating than a rule aimed at one child.
What to do next
Begin with one manageable step.
- 1
Protect sleep first: choose a shared charging location outside bedrooms.
- 2
Create predictable screen-free anchors such as meals, schoolwork, and the first or last hour of the day.
- 3
Replace—not merely remove—screen time with something realistic and appealing.
What to say
Start curious. Stay calm.
“What makes it hardest to stop when you meant to?”
“Which part of the day would feel better with fewer notifications?”
“What should the adults in our family change too?”
The full picture
More context when you need it.
A rigid number can hide important differences between creative work, video calls, homework, passive scrolling, and distressing content. A whole-child review produces better questions.
Boundaries work best when they are predictable, modeled by adults, and connected to a clear reason. If a pattern is severe or affecting daily functioning, involve the child’s health professional.
Sources and review
Where this guidance comes from
This guide was reviewed in July 2026. Links open the current source so families can see the full guidance.