Tackling Screen Time: Practical Rules for a Balanced Digital Diet

Today’s generation of school going kids, teenagers and toddlers have a new challenge to face heads on! They are addicted! They are addicted to the digital medium for their daily dose of dopamine and all the feel-good hormones. It is scary to a point where they spend hours glued to their mobiles, tablets, laptops and computers. This is affecting both their physical and emotional health as there is a disparity between the real and virtual world.

Any form of addiction is scary! Parents have a humongous task of helping their kids stay away from this digital curse and lead a digitally healthy life. We are here to help you iron out the discrepancies and help you raise children who are socially aware, have a healthy mindset and do not resort to any kind of addiction, let alone digital addiction!

The Digital Dilemma: Why Balance Matters

Today, screens are an integral part of our lives. Whether it’s online schooling, online learning apps, gaming, or social networking, technology is here to stay. Schools must focus on using technology to our advantage and condemn overindulgence and doomscrolling.

Too much screen time has been shown to cause problems like sleeping disturbances, a sedentary lifestyle, and even a lack of social skills because it reduces the amount of time spent interacting face to face. On the other hand, complete avoidance of technology isn’t the way forward either. We want our children to be technology-savvy and ready for the future. The aim is something called “Digital Nutrition.”

Age-Appropriate Screen Time Limits for Kids

In the same manner in which we adhere to age milestones in enrolling children in school for developmental readiness, we also need to apply this same principle in cyberspace. The needs of an LKG student in a preschool are totally different from those of an individual who is in school getting ready to sit IGCSE or CBSE exams. Below is a general guideline for limiting the screen time of children according to their stages of development:

5 Healthy Screen Time Rules for Your Home

Creating healthy guidelines for screen use shouldn’t be cops and robbers. The key is to have a family agreement. The following are some guidelines that have worked and fit the holistic philosophy of any good institution:

The “Co-Pilot”

When it comes to the younger kids in Nursery and KG, screens should never be seen as the “digital babysitter” in the room. Instead, be the co-pilot. Watch the video with them and, where appropriate, come up with questions about the characters. If the character in the video is counting apples, go into the kitchen and count the real apples afterwards.

Create “Tech-Free Zones”

The dinner table and bedroom must be tech-free zones. For one, keeping these instruments out of the bedroom will do wonders for better sleep, health, and well-being, according to research. At BHIS, we always say that a well-rested mind is an innovative mind. Thus, we always advocate a “digital sunset.”

Prioritise “Active” over “Passive”

Passive consumption (scrolling through endless short videos) is the “junk food” of the digital world. Active consumption (coding a game, editing a video, or researching a hobby) is the “superfood.” Encourage your child to use tech as a tool for creation rather than just a vessel for consumption.

The “Move-First” Requirement

A great rule of thumb for parenting in the digital age is the “1:1 Ratio.” For every hour spent on a screen, an hour must be spent on physical activity or outdoor play. Whether it’s a sport, a walk in the park, or just a messy art session, physical engagement is the perfect antidote to digital fatigue.

Be the Digital Role Model

This is the hardest one for us parents! Our children are expert observers. If they see us constantly checking emails during dinner or scrolling through newsfeeds during family time, they will mirror that behaviour. Set the standard by putting your phone away and being fully present during family interactions.

Identifying “High-Quality” Content

Not all screen time is created equal. Good schools integrate interdisciplinary learning, and you can do the same at home. When choosing apps or shows, look for:

• Interactive elements: Does it require the child to solve a problem or think critically?
• Pacing: Is the show overly stimulating with rapid-fire cuts, or is it calm and focused?
• Value alignment: Does the content reflect the kindness, curiosity, and resilience we strive to build in the students?

Understanding the World of Social Media

When children enter junior and senior high, the question is no longer “how much” time they spend, but rather “how” they spend their time. Digital citizenship is also one of the areas of focus in most modern curriculums. You must educate our children about their “Digital Footprint” and the fact that everything posted will be there forever.

Engage in conversation. Rather than simply forbidding applications, discuss the concepts of privacy settings, cyberbullying, and the world of the ‘influencer’ on social networking sites. If children believe that they are able to speak freely to you without fear of being ‘tech-banned,’ they are likely to confer with you in the event that they view something problematic on the screen.

The BHIS Legacy: A Beacon of Educational Excellence

It is a point of immense pride for our institution to be ranked among the Best CBSE Schools in Malad, the Best Cambridge Schools in Mulund, the Best Cambridge Schools in Juhu, and the Best CBSE Schools in Hadapsar. This sterling reputation is the by-product of decades of focused research, a persistent drive for scholastic perfection, and a sincere heart for nurturing young potential. We have purposefully engineered a safe, high-energy environment where every child’s unique spark—whether it manifests in scientific inquiry or creative storytelling—is refined into true excellence.

A Final Word on the Digital Journey

We know that some days, the “no-screens” rule will go out the window because of a rainy day, a long car ride, or a tired parent. And that is okay! Parenting in the digital age isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being intentional. By setting screen time limits for kids and fostering an environment where real-world connection is valued above digital likes, you are giving your child a massive head start in life.

You are raising thinkers, doers, and creators who control their technology rather than being controlled by it. Kudos to you for doing the hard work of finding balance in an “always-on” world. The future scientists, artists, and innovators are lucky to have you as their guide.

At  Billabong High International School, we are committed to refining the growth of both parents and students to ensure a bright future. Visit us to learn how we help make informed choices for families and discover the best timeline for your child to join our ever-growing family of learners.