By Michaela Gordoni
Most children struggle with self-control when it comes to screen time, as do adults, but parents can try a few guidelines to gently help curb their constant device usage.
A recent global study by The Marketing Heaven found that the most common time children and teens use TikTok is between 9 p.m. and 12 a.m. Those who had higher amounts of screen time had poorer sleep quality, low concentration and daytime fatigue, Times of India reported.
“Our data shows that overuse isn’t just about addiction, it’s about habit loops,” said Brian Futral, Head of Content Marketing at The Marketing Heaven. “When short-form content becomes a nightly routine, it replaces natural wind-down activities like reflection or rest. The goal isn’t to eliminate screens entirely, but to rebalance their role in daily life.”
The study researchers recommend these tips for parents, based on the children’s behavioral patterns they observed:
- Digital Curfews
Setting a “no-phone after 9” rule will give them an opportunity to use their devices, but within a limited timeframe. This allows them to have better sleep and concentration.
- Built-in app timers
Encourage kids to set their own app timers that remind them to get off an app if they use it for too long. The study shows when teens monitor their usage, their screen time drops by 30%.
- Encourage Screen Replacements
Encourage your children to spend more time on healthy activities and hobbies. Bike riding, journaling, creating art or listening to a podcast are a few alternatives. This helps to replace the dopamine with something else, rather than removing it altogether.
- Set the Example
It’s important that children have good examples to learn from. The children whose parents modeled moderate phone use had 22% lower screen time than parents who had high rates of phone use.
“It’s really important to role-model screen behaviors for your children,” said researcher Jason Nagata, a pediatrician at the University of California, San Francisco. “Even if teens say that they don’t get influenced by their parents, the data does show that, actually, parents are a bigger influence than they may think.”
The Society of Behavioral Medicine says it’s about finding a healthy balance. Its doctors recommend that parents designate screen-free zones, like bedrooms, bathrooms and the dinner table. Having designated spots where phones aren’t allowed promotes healthier habits and family interaction.
The Marketing Heaven researchers emphasize that hardline enforcement usually doesn’t go down well. Parents and children need to collaborate for easy screen management and have shared goals.
Read Next: Robby Baehr Offers Parenting Tips To Manage Screen Time on Latest ‘Familyguide’ Video
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