How Can Parents Build a Strong Relationship with Their Child?
17. Technology Use: Setting Healthy Screen Time Limits for Kids

📖 Reading Outcome:

By the end of this blog, you’ll learn:
✅ How technology affects child development (positive & negative)
✅ The ideal screen time recommendations for different age groups
✅ How to create healthy digital habits
✅ The risks of excessive screen time & how to manage them
✅ Tips to balance tech use with real-world activities
⏳ Estimated Reading Time: 10-12 minutes

🔹 Introduction

"Screens aren’t the problem—how we use them is."

Technology is everywhere, and while it has many benefits, too much screen time can harm a child’s mental, social, and physical health. The key is balance.

📌 Visual Prompt: (A child using a tablet while a parent sets a time limit.)

🔹 How Much Screen Time is Too Much?

Age Group

Recommended Screen Time

0-2 years

Avoid screens (except video calls)

2-5 years

1 hour max (educational content)

6-12 years

1-2 hours max (supervised use)

13-18 years

2-3 hours max (balanced with physical activity)

📌 Visual Prompt: (Infographic on screen time limits for different ages.)

🔹 Effects of Excessive Screen Time

❌ Reduced focus & attention span
❌ Increased irritability & anxiety
❌ Disrupted sleep patterns
❌ Decreased physical activity

📌 Visual Prompt: (Illustration of a child feeling tired and unfocused from too much screen time.)

🔹 How to Set Healthy Technology Limits

1️⃣ Create a Screen Time Schedule

✔️ Set daily limits on device use.
✔️ No screens before bedtime to improve sleep.
✔️ Use parental controls for monitoring.

📌 Visual Prompt: (Example of a "Daily Screen Time Schedule.")

2️⃣ Encourage Alternative Activities

✔️ Replace screen time with reading, puzzles, board games.
✔️ Encourage outdoor activities & social play.
✔️ Have "tech-free" family time at meals.

📌 Visual Prompt: (Family enjoying a board game together.)

3️⃣ Be a Role Model

✔️ Reduce your own screen time in front of kids.
✔️ Use tech positively—for learning, not just entertainment.
✔️ Talk about online safety and responsible internet use.

📌 Visual Prompt: (Parent reading a book while a child does the same.)

🔹 Conclusion & Call to Action

🚀 Technology should be a tool, not a habit.
✅ Try a "tech-free" evening with your family today!
👉 Follow us for more mindful parenting tips!

💡 Would you like me to proceed with Blog #18: Sibling Rivalry? 😊