Screentime and Kids: How to Delay the Digital Pull

In today's digital world, screens are everywhere — in our pockets, on our walls, and even in our schools. For many parents, managing screentime has become one of the biggest parenting challenges. And rightly so. The earlier children are introduced to screens, the more difficult it can become to manage their usage, particularly as they start experiencing the neurological highs linked to screen-based dopamine rewards.

But here's the good news: there are practical ways to delay your child’s exposure to screens and give them the tools to self-regulate — before the habits (and potential dependencies) take hold.

Why Delay Screentime?

Screen use triggers dopamine — the brain’s feel-good chemical — especially when tied to gaming, scrolling, or video content. For younger children, whose brains are still developing, this can quickly lead to cravings for more of that “reward”, often at the expense of sleep, mood, focus, and healthy relationships.

Importantly, young children lack the neurological maturity to self-regulate their screen use independently. Once habits form, it's much harder to reverse them — so prevention, or at least delay, can be a powerful tool.

Tips to Delay Screentime and Digital Devices

Here are practical strategies to hold off on introducing screens — and when necessary, to do so on your terms.

1. Delay the First Device

Resist the pressure to give your child a smartphone “because everyone else has one”. Many children can function well without a personal device until high school.

Alternative: If your teen needs to stay in touch for safety or logistics, consider a basic mobile phone (non-smartphone) that can make calls and send texts but doesn’t allow app downloads.

Option: A smartwatch with calling capabilities can also be a great compromise — it offers limited distractions while keeping them connected.

2. Limit Tech in the Early Years

Avoid tablets or phones as babysitters for young kids. It’s tempting (especially during busy times), but try to offer alternatives:

• Interactive books

• Audiobooks

• Puzzles, Lego, drawing, crafts

• Outdoor play or sensory play

• Helping with simple household tasks (kids love feeling helpful)

3. Create a ‘No Tech Until’ Policy

Set clear expectations early:

• No personal devices until a certain age (e.g., 13)

• No screens in bedrooms

• No gaming on school days

The earlier these boundaries are set, the less resistance you’ll face later.

4. Use Shared Devices Only

If screen time is needed (e.g., for educational games or TV), keep it on shared family devices in common areas. Avoid giving children private access to their own screens.

5. Offer Non-Digital Rewards

Rather than using screens as a reward, try:

• Time with a parent doing something fun

• Earning points for a physical reward (e.g., stickers, a new book)

• Choosing the family dinner or game night activity

6. Model Healthy Tech Habits

Kids learn more from what you do than what you say. Reflect on your own tech use and make efforts to:

• Put the phone away at dinner

• Turn off notifications during family time

• Prioritise in-person interaction

7. Encourage Offline Socialising

Support opportunities for in-person playdates, clubs, sports, and family outings. The richer your child’s real-life experiences, the less appealing screens will be as a default.

8. Educate About Screens, Not Just Restrict

Help older kids understand what dopamine is, and how screen-based platforms are designed to keep them hooked. Awareness fosters self-regulation.

9. Use Parental Controls Wisely

If your child does need a device:

• Use screen time limits

• Disable access to app stores and browsers

• Allow only essential or educational apps

• Review usage together regularly

10. Make Screen Use Purposeful

• Teach kids that screens are tools, not toys:

• Encourage creative uses (e.g., making a short film, coding, digital art)

• Set tasks (e.g., researching a recipe, looking up nature facts)

• Focus on balance: use the screen for something, not instead of something

When Screentime Becomes a Battle

If you’re already seeing addictive behaviour around screens, it’s not too late to reset. Gradually reduce screen time, set firmer boundaries, and reintroduce offline activities. In some cases, you may need support from a health professional, especially if your child becomes distressed or isolated without access to screens.

The longer you can delay full digital access, the more time your child has to develop self-control, social skills, and a rich inner life. It’s not about being anti-technology — it’s about giving your kids the best chance to form healthy relationships with screens, rather than ones ruled by algorithms and dopamine loops.

Set clear boundaries, lead by example, and help your kids thrive in both the digital and real world.