Rethinking screen time: a new playbook for parents

Published on 16 December 2025

Digital devices are now an inevitable part of childhood. So instead of banning screens, the focus is shifting to using them well. Here are ways to help our kids through a screen-heavy world.

Screens are now part of daily life – in work, school, entertainment and even health. And if adults cannot avoid them, then children will not be able to either. Schools rely on digital lessons, homework portals and e-learning platforms, and children stay connected through messaging apps, video games and online communities. Digital literacy has become a basic life skill.

Aiming for “zero screen time” feels unrealistic, but concerns remain: The impact of screen use on developing brains is well documented. The question now is how to introduce balance, boundaries and healthy habits around children’s screen use.

What science says

Studies link heavy screen use with sedentary behaviour – which can increase the risk of childhood obesity – and with sleep disruption, myopia and poorer mental health. This is often because more screen time means less time for other activities such as sleeping, playing, talking with friends or being physically active.

Effects are stronger in children under five because their younger age makes them more vulnerable to developmental effects. “Excessive screen time during the early years has been associated with lower cognitive, language and social skills,” said Dr Evelyn Law, Senior Consultant, Khoo Teck Puat – National University Children’s Medical Institute (KTP-NUCMI), National University Hospital (NUH).

“Research studies have also frequently reported more executive functioning deficits in children with excessive screen use. Executive functioning is a set of skills that includes the ability to sustain attention, control impulses and regulate emotions.”

Rethinking the screen-time conversation

Conventional advice used to focus on counting the hours of screen use. Today, conversations are more nuanced and look instead at content, context and co-viewing, as well as “active” and “passive” screen use.

“The easiest way to teach children the difference between a seal and a sea lion is actually through visual examples on a video,” said Dr Law, who pointed out that screen time can benefit children.

“Research studies show that children can learn prosocial behaviours, such as having empathy or how to be a helping hand, by socio-emotional lessons and positive modelling embedded in cartoon episodes. Watching a movie together as a family can also be a cosy and edifying activity. Talking about it provides a safe space to discuss complex issues faced by others and may foster emotional intelligence in children.”

Adult involvement, or “co-viewing”, is key. Without it, screen use is more worrying. “Young children can go down rabbit holes on social media like YouTube and see inappropriate content created for someone older,” she said.

“Social media algorithms can trap them in an ‘echo chamber’ by showing them content that fits their initial clicks, reinforcing potentially distorted ideas through a cycle of confirmation bias. Children also do not have the skills yet to interpret information or evaluate credibility, making social media more concerning.”

Practical strategies for healthier screen habits

Everyday pressures of working parents, from post-pandemic digital reliance to hectic schedules, leave little time to monitor every moment.

Start with a simple family strategy that suits your children’s ages. Accept that much of their social life is digital but teach them to recognise online risks and move through digital spaces safely.

Set clear boundaries, such as tech-free zones and structured routines (for example, no screens before bedtime and limiting blue light). Model the behaviour you want to see, because children observe how parents use their devices.

Dr Law also suggested protecting screen-free times during the day. “For example, families can engage in conversations and social activities during mealtimes and before bedtime,” she said. “Finding outdoor activities or sports to do together can be another easy way to ensure high-quality offline family time.”

Screens themselves are not the problem – unregulated, unguided use is. The goal is to raise digitally resilient children who can manage their own screen habits as technology and lifestyles continue to change.

“There is no single way to strike a healthy balance,” said Dr Law. “What is important is for parents and children to have ongoing and honest dialogues about digital use with each other.”