4 Easy Ways to Manage Your Family's Screen Time

In today's digital world, screens are everywhere, and managing screen time can feel like a full-time job. At MediaSmarts, we research the digital lives of Canadian youth and families and found that screen time is one of parents’ top tech-related concerns. Kids are worried too: almost half say they spend too much time on their phones. We use technology daily, so how can we find ways to use it healthily as a family?

We’ve come up with a handy model called the "4 Ms" of screen time, created in partnership with the Canadian Paediatric Society. It's all about finding that sweet spot where technology and healthy habits meet.

The first M: Minimize screen use, especially for the youngest children

First things first, let's talk about the little ones. Babies and toddlers are like sponges, soaking up everything around them. That's why the Canadian Paediatric Society recommends no screen time for children under two, except for video chats with family members. That said, if you put on some Ms. Rachel or Sesame Street now and then, it's not the end of the world, because the issue isn’t that screen time is bad for kids under two: it’s that they don’t get anything good from it. (Even “educational” apps or videos.) We know it can be unrealistic to expect zero screen time, especially if your baby or young toddler has an older sibling, but since they’re growing so much in those first two years you want to make sure there’s plenty of time for the things that they do need—interacting with other people and exploring the world around them.

In 2022, the Canadian Paediatric Society updated their guidelines for children aged two to five. Previously, they recommended a strict limit of one hour of screen time per day. Now, they suggest focusing on the quality of screen time rather than just the quantity. This means more interactive and engaging activities, like educational programs and family movie nights. 

Minimizing screen use is something to strive for with the whole family, not just the youngest members. Encourage your older kids to make smart choices about screens and explain why their bodies need a rest from screens. Consider establishing no-screen zones, like in bedrooms and at the dinner table. And remember, screens should be off at least an hour before bedtime. Our research shows that 80 percent of kids in grades four to 11 keep their phones in their bedrooms at night. Let's help them break that habit!

The second M: Use screens Mindfully

Helping kids use screens mindfully will set them up for success. Particularly as kids get older, we want them to tune in to why they’re turning to their devices. Teach kids to ask themselves what they’re going to do when they open their phone or tablet and how they will know when they’re done. We’re all guilty of mindless scrolling and it’s important to acknowledge that it’s a habit people of all ages need to work on.

Some helpful tricks for your child (and you) include: changing a device’s lock screen code often so you or your kids might think twice before you open it; setting the device’s colour scheme to greyscale to discourage endless social media scrolling; and setting timers for a screen activity so you or your child will know when the activity is done.

Screens can have positive uses too, so take what they’re doing into consideration when you’re deciding how much screen time to allow them. Give more time for screen time activities that are creative or educational. Video games or videos that get your family moving are also a great idea.  

The third M: Mitigate media effects

Let's talk about curating media choices. For younger kids, you get to be the gatekeeper. Choose what they watch and play, and make sure it's quality content. Many apps let you control what your kids see—for example, YouTube allows you to create curated playlists for your kids, so they only watch what you’ve pre-selected. You can also bookmark or subscribe to channels that you know are appropriate, like TVO Kids.

For older kids and teens, set some ground rules about what’s appropriate. Parental controls can help keep some inappropriate content at bay, but kids can find their way around these. Have an ongoing conversation about what the rules are around content in your household and let them know that they can come to you if they ever encounter anything that makes them feel uncomfortable.

Whenever you can, watch or play with your kids. Educational media is most effective when parents are involved. Plus, it gives you a chance to discuss what they're watching and address any concerns.

It’s also a good idea to create a family contract when your child gets a new device. This sets clear expectations and rules and helps everyone stay on the same page.

The fourth M: Model good media use

Finally, let's lead by example. Our kids are always watching us, so it's important to show them what good media use looks like. Develop a family screen plan that includes everyone, not just the kids.

Find ways to use screens together as a family. Video chat with distant relatives, explore new hobbies online, use an app like Merlin to go birdwatching together or have a family movie night. By doing this, you're showing that screens can be a positive part of our lives when used responsibly.

By following these four strategies—minimizing, being mindful, mitigating, and modelling—we can create a healthy digital environment for our kids.

It’s easy to get caught up in the fears around screens but remember, it's not about banning screens altogether but using them in a way that supports our kids' development and helps them become independent and responsible digital citizens.