Digital Technologies

Finding balance: becoming a screen smart family

Screens and devices are now firmly part of our world. We all use them to work, play, learn and socialise – and so do our children.

Establishing a healthy approach to technology

While there are recommended guidelines for daily screen time*, it can be more helpful to think about the type of screen use.

Research is moving away from ‘screen time’ alone as a useful indicator of children’s wellbeing, focusing instead on the relationship between quantity, quality and content. Doing schoolwork or independent study on a device is not the same as watching TV, and playing video games is not the same as connecting with friends and family.

Comparing it to food, we understand that some foods are more nutritious than others, even though they all provide energy. Similarly, parents and carers should take into consideration not just how much time their children spend on screens, but what kinds of screen-based activities they are engaged in.

Instead of imposing complete bans on screen time, monitoring screen time and activities can help strike a balance. Of course, certain activities and content should not be accessible to children, but apart from those, setting rules enables your family to find a harmonious relationship with technology.

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