As a parent, it can be difficult to see your child become addicted to screens. Whether it's spending hours on social media, playing video games, or watching TV, too much screen time might be harmful to your child's health and development.If you're concerned about your child's screen addiction, there are some things you can do to help break the habit.
Encourage your child to spend more time doing activities away from screens by creating a screen-free zone in their room.
This can be a designated area where screens are not allowed, or it can be a specific time of day, like an hour before bedtime, when screens must be turned off.
Some activities they can do in this screen-free zone are:
Creating this screen-free zone is a good first to consider when trying to break your child's screen addiction.
If your child is used to having unlimited access to screens, it can be tough to get them to cut back.
One way to approach this is to make screen time a privilege that must be earned.
For example, your child may have to do their homework and chores before they can earn screen time.
This will help teach them that screens should be used in moderation and not as a constant source of entertainment.
Other ways to earn the privilege to use the screen are:
By making screen time something to be earned, your child will be more likely to use it wisely and not abuse it.
Children learn by example, so it's important to set a good one when it comes to screen time.
If you're always on your phone or watching TV, your child is going to think that's the norm and do the same.
This might inhibit your chance to break your child's screen addiction.
Instead, try to limit your own screen time and find other activities to do together as a family, like playing games, going for walks, or cooking.
You could also use screens together in moderation, like watching a family movie night or playing an educational game together.
By setting some ground rules and leading by example, your child will be more likely to follow suit.
Some fun things you can do together are:
One way is to use parental control settings to limit the time and type of content they can access on their devices.
This will help them to find other activities to occupy their time and give them a chance to interact with the world around them.
For example, you can set limits on:
If you set healthy limits on the time they can use the screen and the type of content they can access, it will help them to develop healthy screen habits and could help break your child's screen addiction.
One way to help your child break their screen addiction is to turn off notifications from social media apps or games that are drawing them away from other activities.
This way, they won't be as tempted to check their phone or device every time they get a notification.
You could also set up a system where they can only check social media or play games at certain times of the day, like after they've finished their homework or chores.
Some of the most popular apps with notifications used by kids today are:
If you can help your child to break their addiction to these apps and games, they'll be able to focus more on other activities and spend less time staring at screens.
This could help break your child's screen addiction.
There are many other activities that your child can enjoy outside of screens.
It's important to encourage them to find these activities and make time for them in their day.
Here are some questions you should ask yourself to get started:
What are your child's interests?
What activities make them happy?
What do they like to do in their free time?
Does your local area have a park and recreation department?
If so, check in and see what kind of activities they have organized.
These are just a few ideas to get you started, but there are many other activities your child can enjoy outside of screens.
It's important to encourage them to find these activities and make time for them in their day.
If you're concerned about your child's addiction to screens, it's important to seek professional help.
There are many resources available to help you and your child deal with this issue.
Here are a few places you can start:
If you're concerned about your child's addiction to screens, don't hesitate to seek professional help.
There are many resources available to help you and your child deal with this issue.
Suggestion Explanation Reading Books Encourages imagination and reduces child's screen time, helping prevent screen addiction child treatment. Outdoor Play Promotes physical activity and limits exposure to electronic devices, addressing internet gaming disorder. Family Board Games Enhances family bonding and reduces negative consequences of excessive screen time. Arts and Crafts Stimulates creativity and curbs internet addiction by engaging in hands-on activities. Sports Promotes teamwork and decreases reliance on digital devices for entertainment. Music Lessons Provides a productive use of time, reducing video game addiction and screen usage. Cooking Together Fosters life skills and limits compulsive internet behavior. Gardening Encourages responsibility and minimizes child's screen time. Storytelling Builds communication skills and counters the effects of problematic internet use.
If you are in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, or Aurora, Overcomers Counseling can assist with family therapy to address issues related to screen use and digital addiction.
Their experienced counselors provide support groups and cognitive behavioral therapy to promote healthy screen use and overall digital health.
Always be sure to consult with a professional if you have any questions or concerns about a mental health medical condition.
This content is for informational use only and should not be considered medical advice.
Breaking a child's screen addiction can be a challenge. However, there are many things you can do to help them.
By using parental controls, setting limits on time and content, and encouraging other activities, you can help your child to break their screen addiction and develop healthy habits.
If you're concerned about your child's addiction, don't hesitate to seek professional help.
There are many resources available to help you and your child deal with this issue.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.
You can teach your child persistence by modeling the behavior yourself, encouraging them to take risks, setting goals and tracking progress, praising effort, and providing support and guidance.
