Occupational Support

Screen Time & Balance

Technology can be a powerful tool that enhances learning, creativity, and connection. Emerging apps and digital tools can help children develop new skills, engage socially, and access educational resources from anywhere. When used purposefully, technology can even support meaningful occupations, such as learning, social interaction and leisure.

However, excessive or unstructured screen time can begin to interfere with other important occupations in a child’s daily life. Overuse of technology has been shown to impact attention and engagement in schoolwork, reduce participation in family routines and interfere with healthy sleep habits.

Managing screen time can be tricky to navigate as a parent, but small changes can make a big difference! Here are some practical strategies to support balance at home:

Set clear boundaries: Create consistent screen-free times, such as during meals or before school. Even having screen-free areas of the house, like bedrooms or at the dinner table can support healthier routines and promote engagement in other meaningful activities.
Prioritise sleep: Encourage device-free bedrooms and aim to turn off screens at least 30–60 minutes before bedtime. A calm, screen-free routine before bed supports relaxation, better sleep quality and improved focus the next day.
Stay engaged: Take an interest in your child’s gaming or online activities: ask what they enjoy, play together occasionally and discuss online safety. This can strengthen connection and build trust.
Model healthy habits: Children often mirror adult behaviour, so demonstrating balanced technology use yourself can have a big impact. For example, putting your phone out in the kitchen area 30-60 minutes before bed with your kid can demonstrate healthy habits and make it easier for them to follow the same routine.

Finding the right balance between screen time and other daily occupations helps children thrive, at school, at home, and in their social lives.

Students are required to keep their phones switched off and stored in their lockers for the entire school day. Phone use is not permitted during school hours. This helps minimise distractions, support engagement in learning and encourages positive social interactions during school hours.

If you’re looking for a way to encourage focus and limit distractions, try using apps like Flora: Green Focus. It helps children (and adults!) stay off their phones by growing virtual plants that thrive the longer they stay focused: a fun way to support concentration during study or homework time. It’s free too!

Google Family Link (for Android/Chromebook devices): manage screen time, app permissions, content filters.

Apple Screen Time (for iPhone/iPad/Mac): setup, view usage reports, set (and schedule) limits. support.apple.com/en‑us/108806