What Is Intentional Screen Time? How to Teach Kids Healthy Tech Habits

Many parents (myself included) hold rigid, outdated ideas when it comes to screen time limits for our kids. I write about kids and technology professionally, and I still find myself giving my kids strict, time-based limits for their screen time, even though I know that quality matters more than quantity. 

That’s why I was intrigued when I came across the idea of intentional screen time and wanted to explore the concept. 

But what is intentional screen time? And how can parents guide their kids toward healthier tech habits that will serve them for years to come? 

Here’s what I found, including how to help your child practice intentional screen time and strategies for shifting your screen time policies from restriction to a guided approach.  

What is intentional screen time? 

Intentional screen time means being mindful of our device use and making deliberate decisions about it. It includes noticing what we’re doing on our screens and why, including what we’re giving up by being on our devices, and then shaping our habits to reflect our goals and values. 

Employing these concepts will help you shift your approach to your child’s screen time.

How can I evaluate my kid’s screen time? 

Here are questions to ask yourself and your child (and to teach them to ask themselves) in order to evaluate the quality of their screen time: 

• What’s the purpose? Teach your child that when they pick up a device, they should ask why. Is it to foster connection with friends, exercise creativity, or provide a much-needed distraction? That doesn’t mean that your child needs to gain some deep value every time they use a screen. A case can be made for the benefit of a bit of mindless screen time to unwind from an overwhelming day. But it should be done with intention, not out of habit. 
• How does it make you feel? Help your child evaluate how their screen time impacts their emotions. Do they end a session empowered or drained? Guide them toward screen time activities that rejuvenate them. 
• Is the screen time passive or active? Research shows that active screen time provides mental and physical benefits. Of course, it’s not all or nothing — watching a great movie or favorite TV show has benefits, too. Help your child seek balance and strive to tip the scales toward more active and less passive screen time. 
• What am I giving up by being on a screen? Ask your child to consider what other activity they’re sacrificing by choosing a screen and if the trade-off is worth it to them. 
• Is screen time interfering with my basic needs? A big sign that the scale has tipped too far with screen time is if it causes your child to neglect their basic needs. Do they forget to eat or miss out on much-needed sleep because of a device? If so, it’s time to make a change. 

Ways to model intentional screen time

The older a child, the more direct conversations you can have with them about intentional screen time and the more involved they can be in assessing their own device use. For younger kids, parents will need to be more involved. Kids of all ages benefit from seeing their caregivers engage thoughtfully with technology. 

Here are some ways you model intentional screen time: 

• Tell your child about your goal to make your screen time more intentional. 
• Assess your screen time using the questions above. 
• Occasionally verbalize your thought process when evaluating your own screen time. 
• Admit when you realize your screen time has been less than ideal, and let your child see you make adjustments. 

Practical strategies to shift from restriction to guidance

Here are some tips for shifting from a parenting model of restriction to one of guidance when it comes to screen time. 

Create screen time boundaries that reflect your family values

From no devices at the dinner table to shutting down for family game night, think about what’s important in your household and set guidelines accordingly. 

For example, you might all take part in these screen-free activities your family can do before bedtime, like listening to music or prepping lunches for the next day.

Stay engaged with how your child uses their device 

Keep an eye on what your child does on their device, through conversation and monitoring. Knowing what they’re up to will help inform how you guide them toward more intentional screen time. 

Keep the conversation going

Don’t just introduce the idea of intentional screen time once and then be done. It’s an ongoing process. Talk about what you notice and encourage your kids to share with you how it’s going for them. 

In short 

Helping your child make intentional decisions about their device use fosters a healthier relationship with technology that will serve them for years to come. You can teach your child how to evaluate their own screen time and how to make decisions that support their wellbeing. Staying engaged with how they use devices and model intentional screen time in your own behavior. 

BrightCanary can help you supervise how your child spends their screen time. The app uses advanced AI technology to scan your child’s activity and sends you an alert when they encounter a red flag. Download today and get started for free.