Screen Time And Your Children: 12 Parental Control Apps & General Screen Time Guidelines For Kids And Teens

GENERAL GUIDELINES: Helpful Screen Time Guidelines for Growing Kids, Tweens, Teens

In today's digital world, screens are everywhere—TVs, tablets, smartphones, computers, and gaming consoles are part of daily life for most families. While technology offers educational and entertainment benefits, excessive screen time can impact children's physical health, sleep, behavior, and development. Setting healthy boundaries around screen use is essential for children of all ages. Below are general guidelines, based on expert recommendations, to help families manage screen time for kids at different developmental stages.

Why Your Family's Screen Time Guidelines Matter:

• Early childhood: Excessive screen time can affect language, attention, and social skills.

• School-age and teens: Too much recreational screen time is linked to sleep problems, reduced physical activity, and mental health concerns.

IMPACT OF SCREENS ON YOUR CHILD: What Age Is Right For Devices?

A good guideline is that if your child is ready for screen time or their device, they are also ready to discuss how technology affects their body and mind. Experts recommend establishing clear, non-negotiable rules alongside more flexible guidelines to set healthy boundaries around screen use, supporting both psychological and physical development.

• Screens X The Mind: Digital devices—whether games, social media, or content shaped by online algorithms—are designed to be engaging and can be addictive. They stimulate the brain by releasing dopamine and serotonin, creating a cycle where we crave more screen time to feel calm or normal. This constant stimulation can be unhealthy, as the brain needs downtime to process experiences, reflect, and develop deeper thinking and self-awareness. Allowing space away from screens helps children understand themselves and develop their values and thoughts.
• Screens X The Body: In recent years, there has been a noticeable decline in children's fine and gross motor skills, physical strength, endurance, eyesight, and core stability. This decline is linked to increased screen time and less physical activity. As a result, children may feel more fatigued and anxious when not engaged with a device, creating a cycle that can be difficult to break. Supporting screen-free time encourages physical movement and helps restore balance for healthy growth.

HOW TO IMPLEMENT RULES AROUND SCREEN TIME FOR KIDS AND TEENS: Do It Together!

You set the tone for screen habits in your family—your kids are watching how you use your devices just as closely as you watch them. The truth is, screens affect adults and children in similar ways, but there’s one big difference: you remember life before the internet, with all its upsides and pitfalls. Use that perspective to your advantage by modeling mindful tech use. Be intentional: use one device at a time, and narrate your screen activity to your kids—don’t just say “I’m working” or “I’m on my phone,” but explain what you’re doing. When you finish your work or personal screen time, make a point to give your children your full, undivided attention.

Here are some ways to create a healthier digital environment at home:

• Set Clear Rules & Boundaries: Routines help kids feel safe, especially when the world outside feels unpredictable. Establish non-negotiable times for no screens—like before bed or school, when calm and focus matter most. Keep screens off the table during meals to encourage conversation and connection. Try leaving phones in another room during charging or at set times to help everyone unplug together. Avoid using screen time as a reward; instead, make it a regular, conscious part of the day so it’s easier to manage and benefit from.

• Differentiate Types of Screen Time: Not all screen time is created equal. School work or educational activities shouldn’t count against your child’s daily limit, just as your work emails don’t count against yours. Recognize the difference between active, purposeful use (like learning or video chatting with family) and passive scrolling or gaming.

Remember, every family is different, and it’s normal to encounter challenges, especially when your child’s friends may have different screen rules. Sharing real-life stories and keeping an open dialogue can help you navigate these differences and find what works best for your household. Screen time isn’t just a parenting issue—it’s a societal one, shaping how we connect, learn, and grow. So, talk openly with your kids about technology, but also make time to put your phone down and connect with other adults—and yourself—offline.

HELPFUL TOOLS FOR MANAGING KIDS SAFETY AND SCREENTIME: List of Best Parental Control Apps

As children spend more time online for learning, entertainment, and socializing, parents are increasingly seeking ways to ensure their safety and encourage healthy digital habits. Parental control apps have become essential tools for families, offering a range of features that help monitor, manage, and guide kids’ screen time and online activities. From filtering inappropriate content to setting screen time limits and tracking location, these apps empower parents to create a safer and more balanced digital environment at home. Below is a list of some of the most popular and effective parental control apps available today, each with a direct link for easy access.

• For those looking for more tracking for safety, Life360 is popular!

LIST OF PARENTAL CONTROL APPS: