"Put the screen down!”  

If you’ve said this more times than you can remember, then welcome to the club.  

But in a world where schooling happens on a screen, how can you tell your child to "stop looking at the screen"? That’s the same as telling a chef to stop using the stove.  

Results of screen exposure on school learning.

So no, the solution isn’t to cut screens. It’s to manage them smartly, calmly, and realistically.  

You can think of screens like food. Some screen time is good (classes, creative apps), and some is junk (random videos, endless games). Your job as a parent is to help your child build a healthy digital diet.  

Here are 7 practical, realistic, and doable parenting tips to help you manage screen time in the age of online schooling:

1. Separate School Screen Time From Play Screen Time  

Start by labeling the difference:  

- Learning Time: school, assignments, educational videos.  

- Leisure Time: games, social media, entertainment. 

Adding a routine switch like changing clothes or relocating to another room. This can also help mark the transition mentally.

Tip: Use visual cues like timers, color-coded schedules, or two different logins/devices to create a mental boundary for your child. When school’s over, switching platforms can help signal a change in purpose. 

2. Introduce the “Tech Break” Rule  

If your child is on a screen for 45 minutes, introduce a 10-minute “tech break” away from devices.  

Stretch, grab a snack, water the plants, stare out the window—anything that gives the eyes and brain a moment to reset.  

Research suggests that short, frequent breaks, such as 5-10 minute intervals after 25-50 minutes of studying, can be more effective than longer, less frequent breaks.

You can also make tech breaks fun — put a few “break ideas” in a jar they can draw from to keep it exciting!

These little breaks improve attention span during school time.

3. Let Them See You Unplug  

Yes, this one’s for you too.  

Kids are expert imitators. If they see you glued to your phone during their class time or family meals, the message is clear: Screens rule the day.  

Start small. Keep your phone away during meals, reading time, or even just for 15 minutes of eye contact. Your actions will teach them more than any lecture.

Even turning your phone face down can send a subtle message: 'I’m fully present with you right now.'

4. Create a Screen-Free Zone at Home  

Designate a few areas in the house where no screens are allowed, like the dinner table, bedroom, or balcony.  

Why it works: These screen-free spaces act as visual boundaries for your child. When they step into that zone, they’re also stepping into a different mode – one that invites calm, creativity, or connection. It’s not about restriction, it’s about resetting the brain.

This helps your child learn that not all spaces need to be digitally occupied.  

Add a small indoor plant or soft lighting to these areas. It makes the space feel more inviting and emotionally safe.

5. Talk About Their Screen Time. Don’t Just Monitor It. 

Instead of checking history and debating over rules, try asking questions:

“What did you enjoy watching today?”  

“What was the most interesting part of your class?”  

“What’s a game you love, and why?”  

When you show interest in their screen habits, they’ll start thinking about them too. Awareness is half the win.

Ask what made them laugh, what surprised them, or what they’d share with a friend. Make screen reflection a regular conversation.

When they answer your questions, they will start evaluating the content they have consumed for its true value, in terms of what they gained and learned after watching it.

6. Use Timers While Involving Your Child  

Instead of setting secret alarms and swooping in like the screen police, involve your child in that same time management.  

Let them set their own timers for breaks or screen limits using a cute clock, app, or a smart speaker. 

You can even turn it into a game: “Beat the clock” or “Pause and Play Challenge”. Keep everything playful, not punitive.

All this gives them a sense of control and responsibility about their time and makes your job easier.

7. Don’t Demonize the Screen — Balance It  

Not all screen time is harmful. A lot of it is fun, creative, informative, and even calming.  

The goal isn’t to eliminate but to balance.  

If your child wants to watch a cartoon after class or play Minecraft with friends, it’s okay. Let them enjoy it guilt-free after school responsibilities are done. 

Try a screen-for-service swap – one fun screen hour for one chore done well or a short book read. It makes screens a privilege, not a crutch.

Tip: Use screen time as a reward, not a routine filler.

In Conclusion, Control the Culture, Not Just the Clock  

Managing screen time isn’t just about numbers. It’s about building a family culture that values balance, attention, and presence.  

It’s about teaching your child to choose quality over quantity when it comes to their digital habits.  

And most importantly, it’s about giving yourself grace. You're raising kids in a digital-first world no one trained you for. So high five, you're doing great!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How much screen time is "too much" during online schooling?  

There isn’t one amount for everyone, so try to balance necessary screen time for classes with breaks away from screens. It’s not just about the amount; it’s more about the type of screen time your child has.

Q2. Should I ban screens after school hours?  

Not necessarily. Instead of a complete ban, allow time for entertainment, but make sure schoolwork, exercise, and offline activities come first.

Q3. My child says they're "tired" but wants to play video games. What should I do?  

Introduce them to a non-screen activity for 30 minutes first, like going for a walk, having a snack, or playing a game. Then you can decide based on how they feel.

Q4. How can I enforce screen-free zones at home?  

Start with simple places, like the dinner table or bedroom. Make these areas appealing with books, cushions, puzzles, or art. 

Q5. What if my child throws a tantrum when I set limits?  

This is normal! Stay calm and stick to your rules while offering choices: “You can watch after dinner” or “10 more minutes, then it’s time for a book.” This will work better than strict cutoffs.

Q6. Do educational games and videos count as screen time?  

Yes, but they fall into the productive category. Still, it’s important to take breaks to prevent digital fatigue.

Q7. How do I get my child involved in managing their screen use?  

Let them help set timers, choose their break activities, and track their own goals. Get them involved and foster a sense of ownership over their learning.

Suggested Read

International Schooling: Empowering Teen Parent's Futures While They Are Proudly Parenting Their Present

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More Family Time, Less Stress: How Online School Helps Parents Balance Work and Family