6 ways parents should apply to limit children's exposure to electronic screens

It’s become more common than ever to see children and teenagers engrossed in their phones, tablets, or televisions. But a new study from Denmark warns that spending too much time in front of a screen can not only affect sleep and mood, but also potentially have a negative impact on children’s cardiovascular health.

This poses a huge challenge for parents: how to “pull” their children away from devices that are always present everywhere and full of attraction, like trying to remove a magnet from the refrigerator door.

In fact, screen abuse can stunt brain development, harm physical health, and affect the emotions of young children. So what is the way to help children limit their exposure to electronic screens while maintaining balance, instead of turning parents into strict “technology police” in the eyes of their children?

1. Set reasonable and achievable limits

Instead of imposing an “absolute ban” on electronic devices, which can easily cause children to rebel or feel deprived, parents should start with small, realistic limits that can be maintained over the long term.

For example, gradually reduce screen time by 30 minutes per day, then continue to adjust in stages to give your child time to adjust. To make this easier and more transparent, parents can use a stopwatch, a timer built into the device, or time management apps.

These tools not only help remind children when time is up, but also help them learn to self-regulate, rather than relying entirely on adult control. This is an important first step in establishing healthy screen discipline.

2. Turn screen time into a worthy reward

Instead of viewing screen time as a “given” privilege, parents can make it a reward that children actively “earn.” A clear reward system will help children understand that screen time is not a given, but a result of their own efforts.

For example, 20 minutes of reading, homework, or chores can be exchanged for 15 minutes of tablet time. This approach not only encourages good habits, but also helps children feel in control and recognized, rather than viewing screen time as a punishment. This approach is both motivating and maintains a positive family atmosphere.

3. Create compelling off-screen alternatives

One of the most effective ways to limit children’s “glued eyes” to electronic devices is to provide them with equally interesting activities. Parents can prepare a “store of healthy entertainment”, from board games, puzzles to train logical thinking, to handicrafts to stimulate creativity, or sports equipment, outdoor games to help children exercise.

When given choices that are engaging and relevant to their interests, children will easily leave the screen to experience new joys. More importantly, these activities also bring long-term benefits to the development of intelligence, physical skills and social skills, instead of just satisfying short-term entertainment needs like electronic screens.

4. Parents should set an example in screen use.

Children learn best through observation, and they often imitate adult behavior rather than listen to prompts. If parents are constantly surfing the web or checking their phones during meals or even conversations, it’s hard for children to understand why they need to give up their devices.

Instead of just making demands, start by establishing shared family routines, like a “no phones at dinner” rule or setting aside a certain time of day when the whole family can be screen-free.

These moments not only help children develop a sense of moderation in their device use, but also foster family bonding, an important element that no screen can replace.

5. Create “screen-free zones” in the home

A simple but effective way to limit your child’s dependence on electronic devices is to establish “no-screen” zones in your home. The bedroom, for example, should be a place where the body and brain can rest, without the blue light from phones or tablets disrupting sleep.

Similarly, the dinner table can become a space for connection, where family members can give their full attention to each other rather than to screens. When these principles are maintained consistently, children will gradually develop the habit of unplugging in certain contexts, leading to deeper sleep, more open communication, and greater family bonding. This is also an important step in helping children learn to balance technology with real life.

6. Encourage children to exercise and enjoy the outdoors

One of the most natural ways to help kids get away from screens is to encourage them to get active. Whether it’s playing outside, running in the park, biking around the neighborhood, or taking a family walk, all of these activities have benefits that far outweigh the benefits of screens.

Fresh air helps improve mood, physical exercise supports bone and muscle development and burns excess energy, thereby reducing the need to "sit still" in front of a phone or tablet.

More importantly, parents need to remember that the goal is not to ban technology outright, but to find a healthy balance between technology and real life. With patience and a fun approach, children will gradually get used to the new habit./.