As the school year wraps up and children settle into summer break, many parents face a new challenge: how to manage screen time when routines go out the window. Boys Town behavioral health experts are sharing tips to help families create healthy digital boundaries that support emotional wellness and promote a balanced summer.
“Technology can be a fantastic tool for education and entertainment, but without clear boundaries, it often becomes a substitute for meaningful social interaction, physical activity, and rest,” said Christopher Blank, Post-Doctoral Clinical Psychology Fellow at the Boys Town Behavioral Health Clinic. “Summer is an ideal time to reset tech habits and help kids build a healthier relationship with screens.”
Here are some key recommendations from Boys Town:
Get Educated: Before setting screen rules, parents should familiarize themselves with the platforms their children are using. Downloading apps and exploring parental control settings is a helpful first step. Sites like Common Sense Media and Smart Gen Society offer guidance on what’s appropriate for each age group.
Keep It Age-Appropriate:
- Elementary-aged kids should use technology mainly for learning and supervised play. Keep recreational screen time under one hour per day and in common areas.
- Tweens may begin using social media or have cell phones with parental access and oversight. Limit recreational screen time to two hours per day and power down all devices before bed.
- Teens may earn more independence if they’ve demonstrated responsible habits, but limits, parental controls, and regular conversations about internet safety are still important.
Set Clear Boundaries: Boys Town recommends no screens during mealtimes or family outings and encourages powering down all electronics at least 30–60 minutes before bed. These habits improve sleep and strengthen family connection.
Encourage Non-Screen Activities: Parents can set a daily screen time window that follows physical activity, reading, chores, or social interaction. This approach teaches children balance and self-regulation.
Model Healthy Behavior: Adults play a vital role in shaping children’s digital habits. Limiting your own screen time, especially during family activities, sets a powerful example.
“Research shows that too much screen time can disrupt sleep, emotional regulation, and social development,” added Blank. “With a little structure and a focus on offline experiences, summer can become a season of real growth—not just digital scrolling.”
Executive Director of Boys Town Louisiana, Rashain Carriere-Williams, shares more on how to manage your child's screen time during the summer. Watch her interviews on 4WWL and on FOX8.
