My Experience Managing Kids’ Screen Time

Lately, I’ve noticed that managing kids’ screen time has been really difficult for me as a parent. My children are spending too much time on the TV and mobile phones. It has become part of their daily routine, and honestly, it is affecting many things at home. 

Homework time has become a struggle. Getting them to focus is not easy. Even simple instructions sometimes turn into arguments. On top of that, I’ve also noticed that they rarely go outside to play or even get sunlight. Most of their free time is spent sitting indoors, watching TV or scrolling on their phones. 

As a parent, I have reflected deeply on what is happening and what I can do differently. 

How the Problem Started 

Like many modern families, we have slowly incorporated technology into our daily lives. At first, TV and phones were just for short entertainment or learning videos. But over time, it has become increasingly.

Managing kids’ screen time has become so difficult that they use TV, mobile phones, or laptops every day. If I try to limit it, there is resistance. Sometimes they complain or lose interest in other activities, such as reading or playing. 

I realized that what started as “harmless entertainment” has slowly turned into a habit that is hard to control. 

The Real Challenges I Am Facing when managing kids’ screen time

Failure to manage kids’ screen time has created several challenges in our home: 

• Homework is often delayed or not done well. Sometimes they lie to me that they have already finished their homework. Later, I discover that they lied so as to watch TV 

• My children struggle to focus for long periods. They feel bored with doing other activities other than entertainment. 

• Too much screen time affects discipline. On several occasions, they copy and imitate what they see on TV and mobile phones. Even the kind of language they use is not appropriate. 

• Outdoor play has reduced significantly. They are always on TV, laptops, or mobile phones playing games or watching cartoons on YouTube.  

• They are less active physically. Nowadays, they don’t like going out to play, and they also don’t like helping around the house. What bores me most is that they don’t hear me calling out for help. I also worry that too much screen exposure is affecting their creativity and social interaction with other children. 

Why This Is Happening (My Understanding as a Parent) 

From what I observe,  managing kids’ screen time is restricted by; 

•  phones contain games that are popular and addictive. Almost everyone uses them for communication, entertainment, social media, education, and work. Their constant accessibility makes them difficult to put down, especially when notifications encourage frequent checking. As a result, excessive phone use can become a habit that affects concentration, sleep, and relationships.
  

• They provide instant entertainment compared to homework or reading. Users can quickly watch videos, listen to music, play games, scroll through social media, especially TikTok and Facebook, or stream movies. This easy access makes phones enjoyable and convenient, especially during free time. However, that constant entertainment can encourage children to spend too much time on their devices.

• As parents, we sometimes allow it to keep children busy. We often use TVs and phones to soothe children when they are upset, bored, or restless. These devices quickly capture their attention and help them calm down. Although this can be convenient for us, too much screen time can negatively affect our kids.

• Outdoor play is less common nowadays due to safety or convenience. Many children spend more time indoors using phones, tablets, televisions, and video games for entertainment. Busy family schedules and safety concerns can also reduce opportunities for outdoor activities. Many parents instruct their kids not to leave the house while they leave for jobs or social gatherings. As a result, children may have fewer chances to exercise, explore nature, and develop social skills.

What I Am Trying to Do to Manage Kids’ Screen Time

I am still learning, and I have started making a few changes step by step

Setting screen time limits

I am trying to reduce the number of hours my children spend watching TV and using phones. Honestly, it is not always easy because sometimes they refuse to switch the TV off. I usually remind them politely to turn it off, but if they do not listen, I become firmer the second time. If they still refuse, I use a more serious tone, and eventually, I switch it off myself. Screen time is somehow controlled in our home and is not allowed throughout the entire day.

Homework comes first

In our home, before any TV or phone use, homework must be completed. This is helping the kids slowly understand responsibility. They are expected to complete their homework and other responsibilities before they are allowed to watch TV or use their phones. This is helping them understand that schoolwork and responsibilities should be prioritized before entertainment and leisure activities. 

Encouraging outdoor play 

Sometimes I go outside and play along with them, and they love it.  It’s a way of encouraging them to go outside, play, and get sunlight. Even simple activities like walking or playing with other kids in the neighborhood are important. Last year I bought them bicycles, which they enjoy riding around the neighborhood. However, we agree that they must not ride them far from home for their own safety. Additionally, we started aerobics every day in the evening. Unfortunately, it has not been consistent.  I want to ensure that we do outdoor exercises every day.

Creating a daily routine

I am trying to build a structure where the day is balanced. This has helped me set clearer boundaries around screen use. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends creating a family media plan that considers a family’s routines, values, and appropriate times for children to use screens. Learn more about creating a family media plan. 

• School/homework- I have made them prepare a personal timetable which they use for their homework. They leave enough time for their own entertainment. 

• Short screen time: We agreed that they balance between homework and watching TV.  

• Outdoor chores. I have divided household chores amongst themselves, like sweeping and wiping their shoes. They do it in the morning session when there is some sun so that they can also have time to sunbathe. 

• Rest. I don’t allow my children to sleep late. I don’t allow them to stay in the living room past 10:00 PM. They need enough rest. 

The Difficult Part When Managing Kid’s Screen Time

I will be honest — managing kids’ screen time requires a lot of patience; this has not been easy. I face a lot of resistance from my children. Parenting can be challenging, especially when children resist rules or parents struggle to communicate with them. And I find myself sometimes ignoring it. However. Sometimes I am strict on them and make them do what I want them to. 

Occasionally, they resist the changes. Sometimes I also feel tired, and it becomes easier to just allow screen time. Slowly, I am learning that consistency is more important than perfection. Even small improvements are better than doing nothing. 

What I Am Hoping to Achieve 

My goal is not to completely remove TV or phones. My goal is to balance. Technology is part of today’s world. I want my children to: 

• Be disciplined. I realised,they pick a lot of immoral behavior and bad language from social media. Therefore, I control what they watch. 

• Do their homework well.  They must balance between entertainment and schoolwork. Remember. I want them to perform well in school, 

• Play outside and stay active. They need to stay healthy by exercising their bodies. At the same time, they need to sunbathe because of vitamin D. 

• Enjoy screen time in moderation. Remember, too much of anything is poisonous. A child can become addicted to TV, laptop, or phone. 

Final Thoughts 

I am sharing this because I believe many parents are facing the same struggle. 

Parenting in today’s world is not easy, especially with technology everywhere. However, believe that with patience, commitment, and consistency, we can guide our children better. 

Finally, I am still learning as a parent, and I hope that with time, things will improve. 

If you are a parent going through the same challenge, kindly share your experience. You are not alone.