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Children spend a lot of time on screens. They use mobile phones, tablets, televisions and laptops for many hours every day. Some screen time is okay. But too much can cause harm.

Children who look at screens too long may have trouble sleeping. Their eyes may hurt. They may feel lazy, angry or sad. They may stop playing outside or talking to others.

A report shows that kids between 8 to 12 years old spend 4 to 6 hours a day on screens. Teenagers spend around 9 hours. These numbers are very high. But there is good news. Parents can help children reduce screen time with simple changes at home.

Easy Parenting Tips to Help Children Use Screens Less

1. Show Good Habits Yourself

Children learn by watching their parents. If you are always using your phone or watching TV, your child will do the same. One of the best ways to reduce screen time is to be a good role model.

Try not to use your phone during meals. Read a book or go for a walk instead of using a screen. If your child sees you enjoying time without screens, they will try it too.

You do not have to be perfect. Just show that you are trying. Your child will understand and slowly follow you.

2. Make Screen Free Zones in Your Home

Set some areas in your home where screens are not allowed. For example, no phones or tablets at the dinner table. No TV or laptops in the bedroom. No screens during family time.

Also, fix times in the day when screens should be off. One hour before bedtime is a good start. This helps children sleep better and stay calm.

When there are clear rules, children know what is expected. It becomes easier for them to reduce screen time naturally.

3. Give Fun Options Instead of Screens

Children use screens when they are bored. Instead of saying “no screen,” give them something fun to do.

You can play a game with them. Ask them to draw or paint. Let them build with blocks. You can even cook together or go for a walk.

The idea is to keep them busy in real life. When they enjoy something with their hands or mind, they will not think about screens. Over time, they will stop asking for devices so often.

4. Use Simple Timers to Set Screen Limits

It is hard for children to stop screen use without help. You can use a timer to set limits. This could be a kitchen timer, an hourglass or a fun alarm.

Set a clear rule like “You can watch cartoons for 30 minutes after homework.” When the timer rings, screen time is over. Make sure you help them move to the next activity with a smile.

This builds self control. It also teaches children how to enjoy screens in small amounts.

5. Let Them Play Outside Every Day

Outdoor play is one of the best ways to reduce screen time. When kids run, jump and play outside, they forget about phones or TV.

Try to take your child outside for 30 minutes every day. Go to the park. Ride a bicycle. Play cricket or football. Even a small walk can help.

Fresh air, sunshine and movement make children happy and healthy. It also helps them sleep better at night.

6. Spend More Time Together Without Screens

Spending time with family helps children feel safe and happy. Plan simple activities that do not need screens.

Play board games, tell stories or do puzzles. Cook dinner together or do simple chores. Talk to them about their day.

When children feel close to their parents, they do not need screens for comfort. They enjoy time with real people more than with videos or games.

7. Give Screen Time as a Reward, Not a Habit

Do not make screen time something your child gets automatically. Make them earn it with good behaviour.

Say something like, “You can watch one cartoon after finishing your homework.” Or “You can play a game on the phone after helping with cleaning.”

This makes screen time a reward. It also helps your child learn the value of effort. Slowly, they will understand that screens are not the most important thing.

8. Talk Openly About Screen Use

Have a simple talk with your child about why too much screen time is not good. Tell them how it can harm their eyes, sleep and mind. Ask them how they feel after using screens for a long time.

Let them share their ideas. Listen to them carefully. When you talk with love and care, they will want to follow your advice.

Children do better when they feel included. They will try to reduce screen time when they understand the reason behind it.

9. Help Them Find What They Love

Many kids use screens because they do not know what else to do. Help your child try new things to find their passion.

They can try drawing, dancing, singing or playing music. Maybe they enjoy planting flowers, fixing toys or building things. You can try one new thing each week.

Once your child finds something they love, they will spend more time doing that. It will naturally reduce screen time without pressure.

Small Steps Will Make A Big Change

Reduce Screen Time is not about being strict. It is about giving better choices, building stronger bonds and guiding children gently.

You do not have to stop screens completely. Just help your child enjoy more of the real world, books, nature, games and people. With love, support and patience, every child can learn to use screens in a healthy way.

Sharda International School understands the needs of both children and parents. We support families in creating a healthy routine that balances learning, play and technology. We are proud to be known as the best school in academics and we work every day to help our students grow in every way, not just through books but through better living.