The Role of Parents in Combating Screen Dependence: A Guide to Positive Digital Parenting

What Is Digital Parenting—and Why Does It Matter? 

In today’s digital age, screens are part of everything—from learning and socializing to relaxing. But when screen time starts interfering with sleep, school, or relationships, it’s time to step in—with intention, not restriction. Navigating parenting and guiding a child or adolescent to be independent and safe with technology can feel challenging. This is where digital parenting can come in. Digital parenting is focused on using a mindful, intentional approach when guiding children and adolescents around their technology to help form healthy boundaries around technology use. 

Start with Curiosity: Understand Your Child’s Screen Habits 

The first step of positive digital parenting is to understand what it means to be a teen or child in today’s digital world. Technology can support learning, foster relationships, and parents can begin by observing how their child uses their phone or tablet. Do they use it to socialize, relax, procrastinate or distract from what is going on in their world? Parents can take a non-judgmental approach when discussing technology with their child – asking questions to further understand the purpose behind their technology use. The goal is that this would lead to open communication around technology. This approach also encourages children to think through the ways in which they use technology, why, and the potential benefits and costs associated with this use, which they may not otherwise be inclined to do. 

Setting Screen Time Boundaries Without the Power Struggles

It is important to monitor healthy technology use, while also setting limits. Parents can work on setting limits around the amount of time their child or teen is on their technology, where/when they can use technology, and explaining age-appropriate use. For instance, parents can set “screen-time” expectations that clearly state how long a child can be on their device throughout the day. When setting limits, parents can use consequences or rewards. If using these, parents should focus on consistency and delivering expectations in a calm and supportive manner. 

Be the Example: How to Model Healthy Screen Use  

With any behavior we want our children to learn, we can support their growth by modeling it ourselves! Children learn through watching the world around them, so take note of your own screen habits. Check in with yourself and see if there are any changes needed to model healthy screen habits. Consider creating family norms in the house. These can hold everyone accountable and set the tone for how the whole family engages with screens (i.e. our family does not have devices during dinner). Being open with family rules and norms creates a team effort dynamic instead of a child vs parent rule. 

Offer Alternatives: Replacing Screen Time with Real-Life Engagement 

Children today are playing outside less and often miss opportunities for spontaneous social interaction in the neighborhood or at the park. This limits their ability to problem-solve and come up with alternative activities on their own, which are crucial skills for their growth. To support this development, it’s important to proactively discuss alternative plans with your child before setting limits on screen time. You can suggest activities that encourage creativity and independent thinking. Offering a range of options ensures that children learn how to entertain themselves and can be more adaptable in finding activities that don’t rely on devices. These small shifts can nurture their ability to think critically, develop resilience, and build stronger connections with their surroundings. 

Staying Consistent: Encouragement for Digital-Age Parenting

All parents face similar challenges when it comes to managing screen time, so know you are not alone in dealing with this. There is no one-size-fits-all solution that will work perfectly. The goal is to find what works best for your family and stay consistent with a plan. It can be helpful to lean on support from your spouse, extended family members, and community connections as you navigate this together. 

If screen addiction or dependence is interfering with your child or teen’s daily life, we’re here to help you take the next step. Learn more about our specialized treatment programs for children and teens.