Managing children’s screen time

As the new school year approaches, parents are increasingly concerned about their children’s daily habits, especially those formed during the summer break.
One of the most prominent of these habits is the excessive use of mobile phones, tablets, or video games — a behaviour that can negatively affect focus, academic performance and a child’s physical and mental wellbeing.
Recent studies confirm that excessive use of electronic devices before bedtime reduces sleep quality in children and affects their ability to wake up early — a crucial factor during school days.
Additionally, sitting for long periods in front of screens limits physical activity, causes vision problems and weakens social interaction skills.
Education experts advise starting early to regulate device usage times, rather than waiting until the first day of school to enforce rules.
Parents can set up a gradual plan at least two weeks before school starts, reducing the time spent on games or videos daily while offering attractive alternatives such as family activities, reading, or sports.
DAILY SCHEDULE
Organising a child’s time helps reduce dependency on devices. A fixed daily routine — including set times for waking up, meals, homework and play — gives the child a sense of stability and limits the chaos that might otherwise lead to more screen time.
A common misconception among parents is that reducing device time means depriving a child of fun.
In reality, providing enjoyable alternatives is key. Engaging children in creative activities like drawing or involving them in group sports such as swimming or football helps them release energy and form new friendships.
Psychologist Nouf al Zaabi explained that during the summer break, children’s use of electronic devices can double, which is natural due to the absence of a school routine.
“Sometimes, parents even hand over phones to keep children occupied while managing household chores. The problem begins when this pattern continues into the school year, with some children spending over four hours a day in front of screens, directly affecting their focus and sleep”, she said.
According to her, the solution is not sudden prohibition but wise time management and setting clear family-wide rules, while encouraging real-life activities that naturally draw the child away from devices. She said that practical steps include removing unhelpful apps and replacing them with educational or purposeful entertainment, which gradually limits long internet sessions.
Setting clear daily screen-time limits helps children adapt to an organised routine that protects them from the risks of overuse. It is also recommended to turn off and keep phones away during homework, even controlling internet access if necessary to maintain focus. When children successfully reduce screen time and engage in physical or mental activities, rewarding them with a small gift or favourite meal can be a powerful motivator.
DECISION MAKING
It is important that children feel part of the decision making process. Nouf suggests having a calm conversation with the child about the reasons for reducing screen time and its effects on sleep and academic performance. When children understand the benefits, they are more likely to commit to the rules.
In addition, parents cannot expect their children to limit phone use while they themselves spend hours on screens. Setting a positive example by managing device time within the family and prioritising face-to-face communication strengthens the child’s commitment to change.
When device use is reduced before school starts, parents often notice improved moods, higher physical activity levels and better focus during tasks. Sleep becomes more regular, leading to easier early mornings and a stronger mental readiness for the school day.
Blurb
The solution is not sudden prohibition but wise time management and setting clear family-wide rules, while encouraging real-life activities that naturally draw the child away from devices.