How can you manage a child's screen time?
What’s the right screen time by age?
There is no one-size-fits-all rule for managing a child’s screen time. Screen exposure is strongly discouraged for children under 4. At this age, your child needs real-life interactions, play, and physical activity above all else to develop properly.
Whether it’s for entertainment, learning, or communication, understanding why your child uses a screen helps you better guide their use.
Establishing family rules
Practical guidelines for your child
A clear framework helps your child find their bearings more easily. Simple, consistent rules promote balanced screen time.
Set the rules together
Involving your child encourages open communication and engagement. By setting screen time rules together, they’ll better understand the limits and become more independent.
Update the rules
As your child grows, their digital needs and skills will change as well. Work with them to adjust the rules to help them become more responsible.
The 4-NO rule: an easy-to-remember guide
To make it easier to follow these rules in your daily life, you can use the 4-NO rule:
- No screens in the morning
- No screens in the bedroom
- No screens during meals
- No screens before bedtime
Set clear screen time limits from the start
Tips for managing screen time
Before each activity, specify how long your child can use a screen:
- Use concrete cues: a timer, a clock, or an hourglass can help visualize the time.
- Set a clear end point: 2 episodes, one game round, or 30 minutes after homework.
- Work together to set screen time limits for weekdays and weekends.
This prevents frustration and helps your child better manage their screen time.
Offer alternatives to screens
Move, play, explore
Screens shouldn’t become an automatic habit. Offering other activities helps your child broaden their interests.
Games, sports, drawing, or reading contribute to their development and also provide opportunities to spend time together as a family.
The 20-20-2 rule
Even when using screens, encourage breaks by following the 20-20-2 rule:
- Every 20 minutes, look up from the screen
- Look into the distance for 20 seconds
- Aim for 2 hours of outdoor activities per day
Helping your child manage screen-related emotions
Screens can trigger intense emotions: excitement, frustration, impatience…
After screen time, suggest an activity to relieve tension: walking, biking, outdoor games, etc.
Help your child express how they feel: “Are you frustrated because the game is over?” “Would you have liked to keep playing a little longer?”.
Putting their feelings into words helps them better understand and calm their emotions.
How to limit screen time?
Here are a few tips for limiting your child’s screen time:
- Set clear guidelines from the start
- Use tools to visualize screen time
- Prepare for the end of screen time (5 minutes left)
- Avoid screens during key times (mornings, mealtimes, before bed)
- Lead by example every day
- Offer appealing alternatives
- Use parental control
Mobile Kids+,the mobile subscription to manage screen time
Mobile Kids+ helps reinforce your family rules by providing a framework for mobile phone use, even when you’re away from home:
- A mobile plan designed for kids
- Norton Family parental control with screen time limits
- Centralized management
- Educational content to keep your child safe online
Tips and tricks for parents
My child's first smartphone: tips to get started
Support your child with their first smartphone.
Cyberbullying: how can you protect your child?
Key tips to prevent cyberbullying and support your child.
Parental control: balancing trust and online safety
Stay aware of your child’s online activities while respecting their autonomy.
