Screen Time and Children

Your child screams when the tablet is taken away, your teenager is on their phone until 2am, and you are not sure how much is too much. Many parents feel guilty, especially when screens are the only way to get a break. You are not alone, and small changes help.

What is happening

Screens are not all bad. Children learn, play, and stay in touch with family far away through them. The problem is when screens push out sleep, movement, homework, and time with people. Screens in the bedroom at night are one of the most common reasons children and teenagers sleep badly.

Health guidance, including from the World Health Organization, suggests very little or no screen time for children under two (except video calls with family), and no more than about an hour a day for children aged two to four. For older children the focus is on what they watch, when, and what it replaces, rather than one magic number.

Online safety matters too. Children can meet strangers, see violent or sexual content, or be bullied. Most major social media apps set 13 as the minimum age in their terms. In many South African homes one phone is shared, data is expensive, and screens are a babysitter during long work hours or load-shedding. A plan that fits your real life works better than an ideal you cannot keep.

Signs to notice

• Tantrums or anger when screens are switched off.
• Tiredness in the morning because of late-night use.
• Homework, chores or outside play keep getting skipped.
• Your child hides what they are doing online.
• Screens are on during meals and family time.
• Your child seems anxious or low after being online.

30-second self-check

Answer yes or no. Go with your first honest answer.

• Does my child use a screen in bed or after lights out?
• Do screens often replace sleep, homework or play outside?
• Does my child get very upset when asked to stop?
• Do I have little idea what my child watches or who they talk to online?
• Do screens come out at most meals?
• Do I use my own phone so much that my child has to compete for my attention?

0-1 yes: Your family has a fairly healthy balance. Keep talking about online safety.
2-3 yes: Screens are starting to crowd other things out. A simple family plan can help.
4 or more yes: Screens may be affecting sleep, mood or learning. Make a plan now, and get support if your child cannot cut down.

What you can do next

• Today: Choose one screen-free time, for example meals, and try it tonight, including for adults.
• This week: Move chargers out of bedrooms at night. Set a time when all screens go off before bed, ideally an hour before sleep.
• This month: Make a family screen plan with your children: which apps, how long, where and when. Switch on age-appropriate settings and talk about what to do if something online upsets them.

Your tool

Screen Time Planner - helps you build a realistic daily screen plan for each child, based on their age, school and sleep times.

When to get professional help

Get help if screen use is causing serious conflict, if your child cannot stop even when they want to, if gaming involves money or betting, or if they are being bullied, exploited or pressured to send images online. A psychologist or counsellor can help. If a child is at risk of harm, report it to SAPS on 10111.
Who can help: Psychologist, registered counsellor, occupational therapist, social worker

Getting help in South Africa

The Cleared Mind 24-hour Careline on 0800 212 146 offers counselling if screen use is causing strain at home. Childline on 116 is free for children who are upset by something online. The Film and Publication Board (fpb.org.za) gives guidance on online safety and takes reports of harmful content involving children. If gaming has turned into betting, the Cleared Mind app has a dedicated gambling support hub.