For millions of American families, screen time is a major part of children’s daily lives. From schoolwork to entertainment and social interactions, most kids and teens rely on technology more than previous generations by a truly significant degree. However, excessive screen time can lead to concerns about health, behavior and academic performance. For co-parents, setting clear expectations about screen use in a parenting plan can help create consistency and prevent conflicts between households.
Without clear guidelines, children may receive mixed messages about screen time limits depending on which parent they are with at any given time. One parent may allow unlimited screen time, while the other enforces strict rules, leading to confusion and frustration for both the child and parents. By including screen time expectations in a parenting plan, co-parents can establish a shared approach that promotes balance and accountability.
Key concerns
Every family’s needs are different, but when creating a parenting plan, co-parents should generally consider the following:
- Daily Limits: Setting a maximum number of hours per day for recreational screen time can help children balance technology use with other activities.
- Educational vs. Entertainment Use: Parents may opt to agree on different screen time limits for schoolwork versus gaming, social media or video streaming.
- Device Access: Some parents may want to set rules on when and where devices can be used, such as no screens at the dinner table or before bedtime.
- Parental Controls: Agreeing on filters, monitoring apps or restrictions for certain websites and apps can help ensure children have a safer online experience.
- Social Media and Communication: If a child has access to social media or texting, parents may want to outline expectations for appropriate use, as well as how and when they can communicate with the other parent.
While consistency is key, parents should also allow room for occasional exceptions, such as extended screen time for special occasions or long travel days. Every family’s needs and goals are different, and shared expectations should reflect that reality.
