How can I help my child with screen time and online habits?

 

Why healthy online habits matter

Digital devices are a familiar and useful part of daily life. They can support learning, creativity and communication. When used thoughtfully and in balance with other activities, screen time can be positive and enjoyable.
Helping children develop healthy habits early on supports concentration, sleep, wellbeing and social development, and encourages them to use technology responsibly as they grow.

 

Helpful routines

Children benefit from clear expectations around when and where screens can be used. Agreeing family routines, such as limiting screens during mealtimes, before bed or in bedrooms, helps children manage usage with confidence.
Balancing screen time with active, social and outdoor play supports wellbeing and gives children a rich mix of experiences.
Talking openly about online activities helps build trust and allows adults to guide choices over time.

 

Practical ways to support healthy screen use

Children often find it easier to follow routines when they know what to expect. You might:

• Set regular times for gaming, television or tablet use, alongside offline activities
• Encourage breaks every so often to move, stretch or rest eyes
• Help children choose online content suited to their age and interests
• Keep devices in shared spaces where possible

Younger children may find it helpful to have a visual timetable that helps them understand when screen time begins and ends. Timers or gentle warnings (“five minutes left”) can reduce unexpected transitions.

When watching together, children enjoy talking about what they see. Discussing characters, choices or themes builds critical thinking and helps children learn to evaluate what they watch rather than taking content at face value.

 

Helping children stay safe online

As children grow, they increasingly explore online spaces where they may meet new ideas, information and people. Adults play an important role in helping them develop safe habits.
Simple routines, such as talking about what to do if something feels worrying, keeping personal information private, and checking privacy settings together, give children skills for safe exploration.

Children are taught that they should always tell a trusted adult if they feel unsure about something they see or hear online. Families are encouraged to keep communication open, so children know they can ask questions or seek help without fear of getting into trouble.

 

Balancing screens with other activities

Children thrive when daily routines include a mix of physical activity, creative play, social time and rest. Encouraging children to play outdoors, read, help with family tasks or enjoy hobbies helps balance their time and reduce reliance on screens.
When screen time is part of daily life, placing it alongside other activities, rather than using it as the default option, supports healthy habits.

 

How school supports healthy online habits

Children learn about respectful and safe online behaviour as part of the curriculum. Lessons help them understand how to stay safe, make thoughtful choices and seek help when needed.
We also encourage pupils to think about how they use technology for learning and for enjoyment, and how balance contributes to wellbeing. Families are kept informed about key themes in online safety so we can work together to support children.

 

Talking together

Conversations about technology help children reflect on their choices. Open questions such as:

• What do you enjoy doing online?
• How did that game or programme make you feel?
• What do you do if something pops up that you are unsure about?

These discussions help children think about their wellbeing, their feelings and how they can seek help when needed. Taking an interest in children’s favourite games or websites shows that adults are willing to listen, making it more likely they will talk if they are worried.

 

Promoting independence over time

As children grow, they can take more responsibility for healthy choices, such as timing their screen use, choosing age-appropriate content or pausing to complete other activities first. Adults continue to guide decision-making, helping children understand that habits built now will support wellbeing later on. A gradual, supported approach encourages children to develop confidence, judgement and balance in their online lives.

 

Useful links

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/online-wellbeing/

https://www.internetmatters.org/advice/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/grownups/a-parents-guide-to-screen-time