By: Tessa Stuckey

In today’s digital age, teaching our children healthy screen habits is essential for their well-being. Creating boundaries around screen time doesn’t mean saying “no” to technology—it means setting up supportive guidelines that help kids thrive both online and offline. Here are some key boundaries that promote resilience, emotional regulation, social skills, and overall wellness.

1. No Screens During Boredom

It’s tempting to let screens fill moments of boredom, but these moments are valuable opportunities for kids to build resilience, creativity, and independence. When kids are given the space to explore boredom, they’re more likely to come up with their own activities, brainstorm solutions, and find creative ways to entertain themselves. Encouraging them to face boredom without a screen strengthens their ability to adapt and develop resourcefulness a skill that serves them for a lifetime.

2. No Screens During Times of Distress

When kids are distressed, it’s essential to help them develop healthy coping skills rather than relying on screens to distract or numb their emotions. Screens can provide temporary relief but don’t address the underlying feelings.

By setting a boundary against screen use during moments of frustration, sadness, or anxiety, we encourage kids to connect with their emotions, learn self-regulation, and find healthy coping strategies. Offering alternatives like breathing exercises, talking about their feelings, or engaging in a calming activity helps kids learn to handle distress constructively.

3. No Screens During Opportunities for Socialization

In-person socialization is critical for developing social skills and building meaningful relationships. Setting a boundary that screens are off-limits during family gatherings, playdates, or any opportunity to connect face-to-face teaches kids to prioritize human interaction over virtual interactions. This boundary also allows them to practice essential social skills, like active listening, empathy, and communication, which are key for building confidence and forming deep, lasting connections with others.

4. No Screens in Bedrooms

Keeping screens out of the bedroom helps maintain accountability and reduces the chance for secrecy and unmonitored use. Bedrooms should be a space for rest and relaxation, where kids can wind down without the distractions or temptations of a screen. Having screens in common areas also promotes transparency, making it easier to stay connected and aware of your child’s online activities. This boundary can help reduce nighttime scrolling, protect sleep quality, and create an environment of trust and openness.

5. Prioritize Basic Needs First: Sleep, Eating, Hygiene, and Physical Activity

Screens should come after basic needs are met. Encourage a healthy balance by making sure your child’s core needs—like sleep, meals, hygiene, and exercise—are prioritized over screen time. Without these essentials, screen use can quickly throw off healthy routines, leading to sleep disruptions, poor eating habits, and a sedentary lifestyle. This boundary helps kids learn to prioritize their own well-being and reinforces the value of maintaining healthy habits.

Ultimately, the goal is to teach kids that screens can be part of a balanced life, but they’re not the central focus. Encourage screen use for positive purposes, like learning, connecting with loved ones, or creative expression, but balance it with offline activities that support growth and wellness. Modeling balance in your own screen habits also shows kids the value of intentional screen use, setting a strong example for them to follow.

Setting boundaries around screen time isn’t about restriction; it’s about creating a supportive environment that nurtures healthy development. By thoughtfully managing screen use, we empower our kids to thrive, equipping them with the tools to manage screens mindfully as they grow and always remember to LookUp.

Tessa Stuckey is mother of four Growing Boys, a licensed therapist, an award winning speaker and author of the Nationally Recognized Book, For the Sake of Our Youth: A Therapist's Perspective on Raising Your Family in Today's Culture. Tessa also is the co-founder of, LookUp, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families in raising a healthy and mindful generation by providing practical tools and resources to help them navigate the challenges of screens and social media.

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