Screen time limits - what actually works?

Mar 4·1 min read

Been trying to enforce 1 hour a day on weekdays with my 7 and 11 year old but it's a constant battle. They hide tablets, sneak devices, the whole thing. My 11yo especially throws a fit when time is up. I've tried timers, reward systems, taking things away - nothing sticks. Anyone have actual strategies that don't require me to become a full-time device cop? Sometimes I just let it slide because the peace and quiet is worth it and I feel guilty about that.

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Comments(3)

TTom B.New DadMar 4

The constant battle part is real. My take is that you need to give them some agency in how they use that hour. Let them choose what they do with it instead of you deciding. My 11yo respects the limit way more now that she picks the activity.

RRyanNew DadMar 4

Have you tried replacing screen time with something equally engaging? We got into painting and sketching with ours and honestly half the time they forget they even want the screens. Hard to get started but worth it.

TTravis N.RegularMar 5

1 hour is solid but you gotta make the last 15 minutes a wind-down, not a hard stop. We do screens off at 7pm on school nights and my kids get a 5 minute warning at 6:45. Helped cut down the tantrums significantly. Also started letting them earn extra time on weekends if they hit their targets during the week.