Parenting today can be overwhelming. With the pressures of work and home life, it’s easy to see why today’s parents are more stressed than ever. In fact, almost one-third of parents of children aged 2-8 admit they lie about their kids’ screen time habits.
But why is this? The rise of technology has led to screen time becoming a normal part of daily life, but many parents struggle with guilt over how much screen time their children get. In a recent survey by Lingokids, 74% of parents reported feeling guilty about the amount of time their kids spend on screens, and 77% have felt judged by others for it.
This “screen time guilt” is real, and it’s leading many parents to question their choices. Is the time spent on screens beneficial? How much is too much? And what is the long-term impact on children’s development?
Reframing Screen Time for a Healthier Approach
Cristobal Viedma, CEO and founder of Lingokids, believes that the world of digital parenting is still in its infancy. With new technology comes new questions. Is this content beneficial? Is it age-appropriate? How does screen time affect my child’s development?
Dr. Mona Amin, a pediatrician and social media personality known as @PedsDocTalk, argues that it’s time to rethink our all-or-nothing approach. Instead of focusing on how much screen time is allowed, the conversation should be about how screens are used, what they replace, and whether they are aligned with a child’s needs.
Dr. Mona encourages parents to ask themselves: “Is this screen time helping or hindering?” For example, is it calming, educational, and used intentionally? Or is it replacing critical activities like sleep, play, or family connection?
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Healthy Screen Time Habits for Kids
If you’re worried about the effects of screen time, don’t panic. Here are six practical tips from Dr. Mona to help set healthy screen time boundaries for your kids:
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No screens for children under 1, except for video chatting with family.
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Co-watch with your child, especially for ages 1-2, on a large screen to foster understanding and connection.
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Limit iPad use for kids ages 2-5 to 20 minutes per session, focusing on educational apps.
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Create family rules for kids over age 5 that make sense and are easy to follow.
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Model healthy tech use by narrating your screen time, so your child sees you practicing balanced habits.
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Encourage movement and sleep: Make sure screen time doesn’t replace physical activity, eye contact, or outdoor time.
Dr. Mona stresses the importance of connection over perfection. Kids need parents who are present, attuned, and make the most of their time together.
Final Thoughts on Screen Time Guilt
Don’t let screen time guilt dictate your parenting choices. While it’s important to set boundaries, what’s more crucial is the quality of time spent with your child. Remember that kids don’t need perfect parents—they need engaged and loving ones who make time for meaningful interactions, both on and off the screen.
