How Do I Encourage My Child to Spend Less Time on Digital Devices

In today’s digital age, screens are part of almost every aspect of daily life. From online lessons to games and videos, digital devices have become integral to how children learn and play. However, many parents of primary school children in Singapore are beginning to notice the challenges that come with too much screen time. At LCentral, we believe that balance is key. 

This article explores how screen time affects children’s development, how much is too much, how to evaluate your child’s usage, and, most importantly, what you can do to help them reduce time spent on digital devices.

How Does Screen Time Affect Your Child’s Development?

Digital devices can be useful tools for learning and entertainment, but spending too much time on them can impact your child’s development in several ways. Here are three key areas to consider:

Physical Health

Excessive screen time can lead to poor posture, eye strain, and disrupted sleep. It also limits opportunities for movement and exercise, which are vital for healthy growth and energy. Children who spend long hours on devices are more likely to experience sleep difficulties and fatigue, which can affect their focus during the day.

Social and Cognitive Development

For younger children, learning happens best through hands-on play, talking, and exploring. When screen time replaces these experiences, it can reduce opportunities to develop creativity, problem-solving skills, and meaningful social interactions.

Emotional Well-being

Too much screen use can influence a child’s mood and behaviour, leading to shorter attention spans, irritability, and difficulty managing emotions. Overreliance on digital entertainment may also make it harder for children to engage confidently in face-to-face conversations and build empathy.

In short, while not all screen time is harmful, maintaining a healthy balance and providing active parental guidance are crucial in making sure technology becomes a positive influence rather than a distraction. When used thoughtfully, digital devices can open doors to creativity, learning, and connection. However, it’s up to parents to set clear boundaries, choose age-appropriate content, and encourage a mix of activities, like outdoor play, reading, and family interactions, to promote well-rounded development. By being involved and modelling healthy screen habits, you can help your child learn how to use technology responsibly and mindfully, ensuring it enhances rather than hinders their growth.

How Much Screen Time is Too Much?

There is no single number that applies to every child, but general guidelines can help parents decide what is reasonable. For children under 18 months, screen use should be avoided except for supervised video calls. Between 18 months and six years, recreational screen use outside of school should ideally be kept under one hour a day. For children aged seven to 12, less than two hours a day of recreational screen time is recommended, excluding schoolwork.

However, it is not only the amount of time that matters, but also the type of content and how screens are used. Educational activities such as online lessons or learning games are more beneficial than passive consumption like scrolling or watching videos for long periods. The timing of screen use also matters. Using devices close to bedtime can interfere with sleep, while using them during meals may affect family bonding. Ultimately, if screen time starts to take over important daily routines such as sleeping, playing outdoors, reading, or spending time with family, it is likely too much.

How Do You Evaluate Your Child’s Screen Time?

Before making changes, it helps to first understand your child’s habits. Start by observing how much time your child spends on digital devices and what they are doing. Keep a simple record for a week, noting when and how long they use their devices, and for what purpose. Are they watching videos, playing games, or using educational apps? Are they using devices in their bedroom or shared spaces?

Look for patterns. Do they reach for their devices first thing in the morning, or are screens mostly used in the evening? Are screens used during meals or before bedtime? These habits can affect sleep quality and family interaction. You should also evaluate the type of content they are viewing. Age-appropriate, educational, and interactive content is preferable to passive viewing.

Another important aspect is to observe whether screen time is replacing other essential activities. Are they still getting enough physical exercise? Do they engage in creative play, reading, or outdoor time? If these activities are being crowded out by screen use, it may be time to make adjustments. Lastly, pay attention to behavioural signs such as restlessness, irritability, or trouble concentrating, which can indicate that your child’s screen use is affecting their well-being.

How Do You Lessen the Time Your Child Spends on Digital Devices?

Reducing screen time requires patience, consistency, and collaboration. The aim is not to remove screens completely but to guide your child towards developing a balanced and positive relationship with technology.

Talk to Your Child About How They Spend Time Online

Begin by having an open conversation with your child about their online habits. Ask what they enjoy doing on their devices and listen without judgment. This helps you understand their interests and makes them feel included in finding solutions. Explain why you are concerned about too much screen time and discuss how it can affect their sleep, focus, and mood. When children understand the reasons behind the rules, they are more likely to cooperate.

Set a Reasonable Time Limit

Work together to establish clear and achievable limits for recreational screen time. For example, you might agree on 45 minutes a day after homework and chores are done. Make these limits visible on a family chart or calendar, and use timers or parental control features to help everyone stay consistent. Avoid being overly strict from the start, as gradual changes are easier for children to accept. The aim is to help them develop self-control, not to make screens feel like forbidden treasures.

Designate Device-free Areas at Home

Creating screen-free zones in your home helps children form healthier habits. The dining table, bedrooms, and family spaces are good places to start. Having meals without screens encourages conversation and connection, while keeping devices out of bedrooms helps improve sleep quality. Make this a family rule that applies to everyone, including parents, so that children feel the expectations are fair.

Spend Time With Your Child

Children often turn to screens because they feel bored or want attention. Spending quality time together reduces their need to seek entertainment through devices. Play board games, read together, go for walks, cook, or do crafts. These shared experiences strengthen your bond and show your child that fun and connection do not always have to involve screens. When children feel engaged and valued, they are less likely to retreat into the digital world.

Set Devices Aside When Not in Use

Encourage your family to put devices away when they are not needed. Having a common charging station in a central place, such as the living room, helps prevent constant device use. Set times when the whole family disconnects, such as during dinner or an hour before bedtime. Removing devices from sight also reduces temptation, helping children focus on other activities.

Encourage Your Child to Explore Other Activities

Replacing screen time with enjoyable alternatives is one of the most effective strategies. Encourage your child to spend time outdoors, play sports, read books, or learn new hobbies like painting or music. Involve them in choosing these activities so they feel motivated. You can also create regular family traditions, such as game nights or outdoor picnics, to make non-screen time something they look forward to.

Teach Your Child About Time Management

Good time management helps children learn balance. Help your child plan their daily routine so that screen time fits in after essential tasks like homework, exercise, and chores. Use visual schedules or checklists to make the routine clear. Talk about how to prioritise activities and the importance of taking breaks. Over time, they will develop a sense of responsibility and learn to manage their screen use independently.

Set a Good Example

Children learn by observing their parents. If they see you constantly checking your phone, they are likely to imitate that behaviour. Show them that you can also put your device aside during family time, meals, or conversations. Talk openly about your own efforts to balance technology use, such as setting a time to stop checking messages in the evening. By modelling healthy habits, you send a powerful message that digital devices are tools to be used mindfully, not distractions that control your day.

Conclusion

Helping your child spend less time on digital devices is not about strict bans or punishments. It is about creating a balanced environment where screens play a purposeful but limited role. By understanding the effects of screen time, setting reasonable limits, evaluating your child’s habits, and introducing small but consistent changes, you can guide your child toward healthier routines.

Talk openly, involve your child in setting goals, provide alternatives that spark creativity and movement, and most importantly, model the behaviour you wish to see. With patience and consistency, your child will learn that life beyond the screen can be just as exciting, fulfilling, and meaningful. At LCentral, we are committed to supporting parents in nurturing confident, balanced learners who thrive both online and offline.