At TEMS, we recognise that technology is now an essential part of everyday life. Tablets for entertainment, video games for fun, televisions in the background, and mobile phones that are always nearby — screens are everywhere.

While technology brings many educational and social benefits, too much screen time can affect children’s cognitive, emotional, and physical development. Promoting healthy screen time habits helps children learn how to use technology consciously and balance it with real-world experiences.

This post shares TEMS’s practical tips for families to create positive digital habits at home and ensure children develop a healthy, balanced relationship with screens.

What experts say about healthy screen time

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), children aged 2 to 5 years should spend no more than one hour a day using screens. For older children, the goal is to ensure that screen use does not replace physical activity, sleep, or social interactions.

However, in daily family life, it’s not always easy to follow these guidelines. Busy schedules, a lack of alternative activities, and the constant presence of technology can make it challenging to set consistent rules. That’s why healthy screen time starts with structure, example, and creativity.

Set clear rules and involve the whole family

At TEMS, we encourage families to adopt a shared approach to screen use. When parents also manage their digital habits, children naturally follow their lead.

Some effective strategies to support healthy screen time include:

  • Creating “screen-free moments” during family meals, car rides, or bedtime.
  • Keeping devices and chargers in shared spaces, not bedrooms.
  • Developing a family screen-time agreement, where children help decide rules such as daily limits, device-free zones, and consequences for overuse.

When children participate in these decisions, they are more likely to understand and respect the boundaries and limits— making healthy screen time a family value rather than a rule.

Encourage screen-free activities and creativity

Limiting screens works best when children have exciting, hands-on alternatives that satisfy their curiosity and energy. Inspired by the Montessori approach, families can promote creativity and movement through:

  • Free play with natural materials
  • Art, music, and sensory activities
  • Helping with everyday tasks like cooking, gardening, or tidying up

These activities not only reduce screen use but also support healthy development, improving concentration, problem-solving, and emotional connection.

To promote healthy screen habits, balance quiet time with active play — walks, dancing, non-competitive sports, or indoor games. Reading together, playing board games, or doing creative projects as a family also provides enriching, screen-free fun.

Use technology consciously and with purpose

Promoting healthy screen time doesn’t mean removing technology altogether. Some apps, videos, and digital tools can be excellent educational resources, especially when used with guidance and intention.

At TEMS, we encourage families to help children reflect on their technology use:

  • What are they watching or playing?
  • How does it make them feel?
  • Is it helping them learn, create, or connect with others?

By asking these questions, children learn to approach technology with awareness and balance — key ingredients for healthy screen time that supports growth and learning.

Building a culture of healthy screen time

Encouraging balanced digital habits takes consistency, communication, and family teamwork. As a school community, we aim to empower students and parents alike to see technology as a tool for discovery and creativity, not distraction.

With small daily changes — setting limits, being present, and offering alternatives — families can transform screen time into an opportunity for connection and growth.

Together, we can make healthy screen time part of every child’s journey towards responsible, well-rounded development.