Updated: April 19, 2025

For parents and caregivers

  • The problem: Screen time can have negative impacts on our health. Too much screen use can lead to:
    • Less physical activity. Time spent inactive is called “sedentary time”, and is linked to poor physical health.
    • Exposure to unhealthy food ads. Videos, games, apps, and TV shows are filled with advertisements for chips, candy, sugary drinks, and other unhealthy foods.
    • Distracted eating while watching a screen. This can lead to overeating, particularly of less healthy foods. This also distracts from the development of positive mealtime social behaviors.
    • Harmful effects on mental health, social development, and academic success.
  • The solution: 
    • Create Healthy Home Routines: Research shows that adults play a big role in how much time kids spend on screens! Adults can set good examples in how they use screens, and can guide kids toward better screen habits. Download this worksheet to guide a conversation about how your family will create smart, balanced screen habits together.
    • Break the Screen Habit: Kids often spend time on screens while parents are taking care of work or household duties. While this can be useful, screens are habit forming. The more kids use them for entertainment, the more they rely on them.

 

If kids practice finding ways to have fun off screens, that becomes a habit too! With a little help, they’ll break the habit of reaching for screens when they are bored. Check out these ideas to help kids have fun on their own while you’re busy.

Exercise Your Creativity Muscles

Family Fun with Household Items

  • Connect with other “Screen Savers”: Families are more likely to stick to healthy screen habits when they connect with other families who share the same goals.

Other parents and caregivers are a source of support, ideas, and backup. Connecting with others can also strengthen your commitment and inspire others.

Create a community of “Screen Saver” families who prioritize putting screens aside. Work together to spread this positive influence within the organizations your family is part of: school, daycare, afterschool, church, and community spaces! Here are some ideas to get started.