It always starts the same way. Parents tell their kids in the evening, “Five more minutes”, and the kids just nod without even answering. Fifteen minutes later, the parents remind again, then again, and then the arguing begins because the game is still to be played or the video is still to be watched.
If that sounds familiar to a parent, they have probably been in many screen-time battles, especially around bedtime. Modern kids are constantly on the phone or gaming console, and for many of them, the screen time starts spiraling out of control. Weekends, school breaks, and holidays make it even worse, despite the fact that they are supposed to make it better by giving time for socializing and outdoor activities.
But how much screen time becomes a problem? And how does too much screen time affect sleep and behavior? Most parents also ask themselves if they are doomed to have these bedtime screen-time fights for several more years or if they can get some tools to bring some peace in their homes.
The Problem: Screens Are Addictive (For All of Us)
The first thing to mention is that screen time, as it is, isn’t all bad. Children also use tablets and phones to read books, learn skills or languages, learn coding, watch documentaries, or draw. Technology is not a bad thing in itself, and most importantly, all parents must admit and accept that it is unlikely to go away anytime soon. We all have to learn how to live with it and still function as humans.
But if one is honest, most of the time we don’t use our screens for education or skills development. And it is true not only for children but also heavily for adults. Adults also stick to their phones to watch stupid videos or play Candy Crush. And there is a reason for that – games and apps are specifically built and designed to keep users engaged, and they tap into stimulating the human brain in a way that it is hard to stop.
Children and young adults are especially vulnerable to that kind of instant reward stimulation because they still need to learn motivation and focus. Instead, they get endless content, bright visuals, and quick rewards. This fun, exciting world is totally absorbing for younger kids. Bedtime sounds dead-boring compared to that.
Why Too Much Screen Time Makes Bedtime Harder
If your child has trouble falling asleep after using a screen, your instincts probably tell you correctly that this is not a healthy situation. There are several on-the-surface reasons why bedtime and screens don’t mix:
- Blue light affects sleep: Screens emit blue light, which can interfere with melatonin, the hormone that helps us fall asleep.
- Screens overstimulate the brain: Games and videos keep the brain busy and alert. Watching fast-paced content right before bed makes it harder for kids to wind down and relax.
- FOMO is real: Kids don’t want to miss out, and they don’t understand that this content will be out there close to forever. If they’re in the middle of a chat or a game, they feel like bedtime means missing fun or falling behind.
The result of too much screen time? Tears, negotiations, slammed doors, and tired kids (and parents!) the next morning.
Simple Tips to Avoid Bedtime Battles Over Screens
Now for the good news. You don’t have to ban screens altogether or become the “mean parent” to make things better. Here are a few easy strategies that actually work:
Create a “Screen-Free” Buffer Before Bed
Parents should try to stop all screens around two hours before bed for children. The best way is to do it for the whole family. The key is to make bedtime cozy and relaxing, so that it doesn’t feel like punishment.
Make Screens Less Exciting at Night
Low-stimulation content in the evening can be a good solution if removing the screens completely doesn’t work. A quiet drawing app or an audiobook can be totally acceptable for some children. It is also important to dim the screen’s brightness level.
Be a Screen-Time Role Model
If your child sees you checking your phone in bed for the best paying online casino Canada or staying up watching videos, they’ll think it’s okay to do the same. Therefore, trying to take their screen time away feels like a punishment. Try modeling good habits by unplugging at night yourself.
So, How Much Screen Time Is Too Much?
Experts usually suggest no more than one to two hours of recreational screen time per day for school-aged children. But every family is different. What really matters is how screen time affects your child’s mood, focus, sleep, and behavior.
There are signs that they have too much screen time:
- Meltdowns when it’s time to stop;
- Trouble falling asleep;
- Less interest in offline activities;
- Complaints of boredom when the screen is off.
If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to set some gentle but clear boundaries. It is also extremely important to make sure that the child actually has something else to do offline, and some parents are really bad at it.