The Digital Dilemma: Finding Balance in Your Child’s Screen Time

In today's digital age, managing screen time has become one of the biggest challenges for parents. From educational apps to social media and entertainment, screens are an integral part of our children's lives. But how do we ensure that screen time remains beneficial rather than becoming a source of conflict and concern?

This is the theme of our recent EtonHouse Parenting Webinar: The Digital Dilemma – Are You in Control of Your Child’s Screen Time, or Is It Controlling Them?  Our expert panel, consisting of Amanda (Vice Principal and Curriculum Coordinator at EtonHouse Pre-School Upper Bukit Timah), Srishti (Primary Curriculum Coordinator at Middleton International School), and Elmilia (Centre Leader at E-Bridge Pre-School), along with our EtonHouse parent, Charmaine Yee, shares valuable insights on balancing screen time, recognising its effects, and transforming it into a tool for learning.

Striking a Healthy Balance: How Much Is Too Much?

Based on the latest MOH and ECDA recommendations, guidelines on screen use has been introduced in schools, including preschools, as part of a new national strategy launched as of 21st January 2025, to address children’s health. The recommended screen for children will be as follows:

Managing Screen Time: Striking the Right Balance

Excessive screen time can impact a child's well-being, with warning signs such as red eyes, headaches, irritability, and social withdrawal. Beyond the duration of screen use, the quality of content is equally important. Parents should prioritise age-appropriate, educational material while avoiding overly stimulating visuals.

Not all screen content is created equal. Some videos can be overly stimulating, making it harder for children to focus, self-regulate, and wind down. Here are two key factors can help you determine whether a video might be too intense for your child:

Choosing age-appropriate content is key to ensuring a positive screen time experience. Here are some watch recommendations for different age groups:

• Toddlers (ages 1.5 - 3 years old): Bluey, Pocoyo, Sarah & Duck
• Pre-Schoolers (ages 3 - 5 years old): Daniel Tiger's Neighbourhood, Curious George, Blue's Clues & You, Octonauts
• Early Elementary (ages 5 - 7 years old): The Magic School Bus Rides Again, StoryBots Super Songs

Setting Effective Screen Time Rules

Creating a balanced digital environment at home requires clear and consistent boundaries. Effective strategies include:

• Establishing and enforcing family rules about device usage.
• Using parental control tools like Google’s Family Link to set limits and monitor activity.
• Encouraging children to take responsibility by setting their own screen timers.
• Being physically present during screen time to observe posture, engagement, and emotional responses.

The Hidden Impacts of Too Much Screen Time

Excessive screen use has been linked to delayed language development, reduced curiosity, and social withdrawal. Studies indicate that overexposure can affect the brain’s Fronto-Striatal circuitry, which plays a key role in self-regulation and impulse control.

Another major concern is sleep disruption. The blue light emitted from screens suppresses melatonin, making it harder for children to wind down at night (Sleep Foundation, 2024). To support healthy sleep habits, screen-free bedtime routines and keeping devices out of bedrooms are highly recommended.

Behavioural challenges can also arise, including reduced attention spans, difficulty transitioning between experiences, and emotional meltdowns when screen time ends. While resistance is natural, consistency in enforcing limits helps children develop self-discipline and adaptability.

Transforming Screen Time into a Learning Tool

When used intentionally, screens can be powerful tools that support learning, creativity, and skill development.

Blending online and offline learning can enhance engagement, making screen time more meaningful.

By incorporating nature-based apps, digital storytelling, and coding experiences, parents can encourage curiosity while fostering meaningful shared experiences with their children. This not only strengthens parent-child connections but also transforms passive screen time into active learning.

Here are some ways parents can integrate technology with offline learning to create a balanced and enriching environment:

• Nature-Based Learning – Use applications like Google Lens to identify trees and insects around your neighbourhood, then take a walk to collect leaves and make an art collage on Canva or Procreate.

• Digital Storytelling – Have your children listen to online stories like Epic and then write their own version with Storyboard That or perform a puppet show.

• Coding & Problem-Solving – Platforms like Scratch Jr. allow child to  design simple games, and then challenge them to create a real-world version of their game using paper and markers.

By setting boundaries, curating quality content, and integrating digital tools thoughtfully, screen time can become an enriching part of a child's development.

Be Present, Be Intentional

The key to managing screen time lies in intentionality. As parents, setting boundaries, choosing quality content, and being actively involved in our children’s digital interactions can turn screen time into a valuable learning experience rather than a passive habit.

By striking the right balance, we can ensure that screens enhance our children's development rather than hinder it. Let’s take control of our digital dilemmas—together!

Reference:
Sleep Foundation. (2024). Blue Light: What It Is and How It Affects Sleep Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/bedroom-environment/blue-light#references-79271

Read more: 5 Strategies For Raising Your Child in a Digital Age