Recently, several parents approached me asking how to control screen time for their kids. The world is full of distractions in this digital era. TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram, social media, and even apps like Grow a Garden are consuming our time. We’ve all been there, “one last scroll or video” until late at night. If adults struggle to control themselves, what about children?

I have seen concerning posts from parents when they try to limit screen time for their children, “I cannot live without Roblox. If you take it away, I will harm myself!” one such post recounted. As an adult, I try to limit my screen time so that I can be productive instead of looking at my phone all day.

Luckily, Microsoft, Apple, and Google have built-in parental controls that allow easy management. Microsoft Family Safety enables parents to control and restrict time on computers, apps, and web browsing. Apple Screen Time and Google Family Link offer similar controls as well.

While technology can help limit screen time, it is important to communicate with your children and explain the dangers of excessive screen use. Parents should also be role models, as children learn by observing. I personally set a 2-hour limit for Reddit each day, and my kids see the blocked screen when the time is up. This helps enforce the rule and hopefully makes them aware that adults also need to practice self-control sometimes.

My kids have 15 minutes each day for their apps, and of course, they can ask for more time. I strongly believe this system of control can help them become better digital users.