Screen Time
Screens are part of everyday life for children and young people. Used well, they can support learning, creativity, connection and fun. Young people’s online lives are closely linked to their friendships, interests, identity and access to information. Screens can help them learn, relax and stay connected, especially if they find face‑to‑face socialising difficult.
It’s helpful to remember that heavy screen use can take time away from important activities like sleep, physical movement, hobbies and in‑person socialising. Gaming in particular can also be very engaging, and too much can affect sleep, mood, schoolwork and family routines.
The aim is to support healthy, age‑appropriate screen use alongside sleep, play, physical activity and family time. Children should also know they can speak to you or another trusted adult if anything online worries or upsets them.
Tips for supporting healthy screen use
- Use screen limits and parental controls to help manage time and access. Find simple setup guides on Internet Matters
- Protect sleep by keeping screens out of bedrooms and reducing use before bedtime
- Avoid using screen time as a reward or punishment
- Agree expectations together, a family agreement can help
- Create routines that include offline play, rest and family connection. Making space for hobbies, outdoor activities and time with friends is important
- Pay attention to changes in mood, behaviour or sleep
- Showing healthy screen habits yourself can help model behaviour
- Reassure children they can talk to you if something online worries them
Advice on screen time
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The UK Chief Medical Officers’ commentary on screen time and social media advises a precautionary approach to children and young people’s use of digital devices. It encourages parents and carers to set clear, age appropriate boundaries outside of school time and to balance any potential risks with the benefits that technology can offer.
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Early childhood is a time of rapid development, and healthy routines around sleep, movement, play and interaction are especially important. The World Health Organization’s guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under 5.
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The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) has published information on screen time and online harms, highlighting key resources to support conversations with families and guide professional practice.
Seek advice and support
If you are worried about a child’s screen use or wellbeing, support is available.
- Talking to your child’s nursery or school may help for advice and support
- Your GP or Health Visitor can help if you are worried about behaviour, sleep, emotions or development
- Parentline NI (0808 8020 400) offers free and confidential support for parents and carers
- The NSPCC Helpline (0808 800 5000 or [email protected]) can provide advice if you are concerned about a child’s safety or something they have experienced online
- Minding Your Head provides information and advice on mental health and wellbeing in Northern Ireland
- YoungMinds provides support on children and young people’s mental health, including concerns about screen use
