Most parents can relate to the feeling: one minute your child is asking for just ten more minutes on their tablet, and the next thing you know, hours have passed. In today’s world, screens are everywhere. From online learning to gaming and streaming, it’s harder than ever to set healthy boundaries around screen time.

Start with realistic limits

It’s tempting to go cold turkey with screen time, but that often leads to pushback. Instead, start with a conversation. Let your children know why you’re looking to cut back and involve them in setting new limits. For example, you might agree on no screens during meals or the hour before bed. You can also set screen-free zones like bedrooms or at the dinner table.

Using parental controls or device timers can help keep things on track, especially for younger children. Older kids might benefit from more independence, so consider guiding them to manage their own time with regular check-ins.

Make offline time more appealing

If the alternative to screen time is just go play outside, don’t be surprised if it doesn’t stick with your kids. After spending a long time on a device the open ended nature of the instruction "go play" can be overwhelming. Instead try offering specific, engaging options that match your child’s interests. That could mean crafting, baking, puzzles, outdoor sports or even helping with dinner. When kids are excited about an offline activity, screens won’t seem quite as irresistible.

Family time also matters. Think about planning a regular screen-free evening with board games, cooking together, or even just a walk around the block. It’s a great way to reconnect and show that time away from screens can be fun too.

Look after their eyes

With increased screen use comes increased eye strain. Many kids experience tired or dry eyes after long stretches on devices, especially when they’re used both in school and at home. Encourage regular breaks, perhaps every 20 minutes, to look at something 20 feet away (6 metres) for at least 20 seconds.

Outdoor time can also make a big difference. Natural light helps reduce eye fatigue and supports healthy development. And when you’re out and about, make sure your children’s eyes are protected. Prescription sunglasses are a great way to shield young eyes from UV rays while supporting their vision needs at the same time.

Use tech to your advantage

Cutting back doesn’t mean cutting out. There are plenty of tools designed to help manage technology for your family. Apps can track screen time, encourage breaks and even reward healthy habits. You can also explore more educational content and interactive platforms that offer value beyond entertainment.

If your child is already spending a lot of time on screens, try shifting how they use them. Video calls with relatives, learning apps or even creative platforms like drawing or music tools can give screen time a more meaningful purpose.

Reducing screen time is less about removing devices and more about creating balance. A few simple shifts can make a big difference and everyone’s eyes will thank you.