How to Reset Your Family’s Screen Time Habits

Screens aren’t the enemy. They’re part of how we live, work, and connect. But when they start crowding out sleep, movement, and real connection, they chip away at the things that make kids (and parents!) healthier and happier.

The good news? You don’t have to lock all the devices in a closet. One of the most powerful things you can do is start a simple, honest conversation with your kids about their online life.

Start with Questions

Instead of nagging about hours spent on a screen, sit down and ask your child:

• “What do you love most about being online?”

• “What’s hardest about it?”

You might be surprised by their answers. For some kids, it’s about connecting with friends. For others, it’s the creative side—making videos, learning new skills, or just laughing at funny clips. And many kids are aware of the downside too, whether it’s FOMO, mean comments, or just feeling drained.

Once you’ve listened, share your own concerns. Keep it a two-way conversation, not a lecture. When kids feel heard, they’re much more likely to join you in setting healthy boundaries.

Build on the Three Pillars

A simple way to guide your family’s digital habits is to focus on three non-negotiables:

Sleep – Devices are sneaky thieves of rest. Blue light delays melatonin, the brain’s “time for bed” hormone. Make it a rule: all screens off at least an hour before bedtime, with phones charging outside the bedroom.

Movement – Kids need at least one hour of active play every day. If they’ve had a chance to run around, ride bikes, or play sports, an hour of Minecraft or YouTube won’t tip the balance.

Connection – This one matters most. Ask yourself: is your child spending real time with family, friends, or caring adults? Are you having conversations—sometimes short, sometimes silly, sometimes deep? When these connections are strong, screen time doesn’t have to be the enemy.

Create Balance Together

From there, you can work together to make small but meaningful changes:

• Set shared rules – Instead of dictating, ask: “What’s a fair bedtime for phones? How will we know when it’s time to turn them off?”
• Make real-life options easy – Keep board games, art supplies, or sports gear within reach so screens aren’t the only fun choice.
• Check the content – Not all screen time is equal. Use resources like Common Sense Media to swap out junk content for healthier, more positive options.

The reset isn’t about perfection or strict limits. It’s about balance, conversation, and modeling the kind of digital life you want your kids to have. So tonight, instead of another argument about screen time, try asking: “What do you love most about being online?” and see where the conversation takes you.