Created by WellHubs
Creating Screen Time Structure
A Parents Guide to
Parent Objective
Whether you want to prevent screens from taking over your house or take back control of your house from screens, creating screen time structure in the house is the key.
It does matter how you put this structure in place, and it will be different depending on the house hold. For example, if you have young kids, it's easier to create structure and loosen up than it is to pull back in after years of unstructured and excessive screen time.
This guide will help you get started creating the screen time structure based on best practices.
3 Things to Consider...
1. Not All Screen Time Is Equal
There can be great benefits to being on screens, depending on how the time is spent. Are they investing their time, or just killing it? For example, we have to consider what they are watching. When they are consuming content that delivers poor lessons, is fast-paced editing, complex and/or over stimulating, it can have negative effects on your child.
However, there can be positive ways to invest in screen time. For example, if your child loves gaming, there are apps where they can learn how to create their own video game. They can FaceTime with friends, learn how to draw or design, create art, learn basic programming, and learn other helpful skills. So
when we think
about the time
we spend on
screens, we also
need to consider
the quality of the
content.
3 Things to Consider...
2. Structure is NOT a Punishment
It is important for you to let your child (and everyone in your household) know that creating this structure is NOT a punishment.
Structure is being put in place to help keep them physically and emotionally healthy, as well as keeping a healthy family dynamic.
3 Things to Consider...
3. It’s Easier to Let Out Than to Pull In
If your child is older, understand that there will most likely be some pushback on creating this screen time structure within your house. If possible, create the structure at the same time as your child starts using screens.
However, you can still “pull in the reigns” of screen time when it gets out of hand. The key is for them to understand why — review with them the screen time dangers to their mental and physical health. Screen time is NOT a right; it is a privilege, and can be taken away. Most importantly, hold strong and be consistent.
"As parents
we need to
stay strong
in the storm."
How do you get your family to buy in to having the new household screen time structure?
Explain the "why" behind the rules!
Come from a place of sincerity and caring, about them individually and as a family. When kids understand the reason for screen time limits—like protecting sleep, mental health, or focusing on school—they're more likely to follow them. Let your child know the rules aren’t a punishment, but a way to build healthy habits.
Now that you have explained why it is important to have a screen time structure, the next step is to create it!
Note: These are just some suggestions for when setting your household screen time structure. These might vary depending on your child’s age, maturity, family structure, etc. You might need to adjust these suggestions to fit your house.
It’s important to get input from your child, but understand you are the parent and have final word.
4 Suggestions on Creating
Screen Time Structure
This can include things like:
Some Things to Think About...
Screen Time Can Be Earned for Each Day
Screen Time Does NOT Have To Be A Given
Instead of just letting kids jump on their phones or gaming systems, you can require them to earn this time.
Example: To earn screen time each day, bedroom needs to be clean, house chores are done, at least 1 hour of heart-pumping physical activity. Once these are complete, they have earned the agreed upon screen time for the day.
Note: Sometimes on weekends or school vacations kids will want to use screens right in the morning. In these cases, you might consider how they completed their responsibilities the day before. I.e., "Complete your chores today in order to get screen time for tomorrow."
You can also make a rule for no screens before a certain time (I've seen kids set alarms to wake up at 5am and play fortnite.)
Create Clear Consequences of Violating the Agreement.
What is an example of a consequence?
If your child is violating the screen time agreement, the privilege of having a device can be taken away and they will have to EARN it back.
How can they earn it back?
There are multiple options, depending on your parenting style and your child’s learning style. It can be specific, like a chore or activity, or through several chores through a point system. Once they earn enough points, they can get the device back.
You can also combine earning it back with a time.
"You lost it for 2 days. You will it get it back once you complete these extra chores AND show me good behavior."
Be Flexible and Keep Communication Open
Life happens. Sometimes, screen time will go beyond the limits (sick days, travel, special events). That’s okay— as long as communication stays open and balance returns.
Involve your kids in reviewing and adjusting screen rules as they grow. This helps them develop internal self-control and digital responsibility.
Remember
Creating screen time rules isn’t about strict control—it’s about building a home culture that values connection, responsibility, and well-being. With consistent structure, open conversations, and your support, kids can grow into mindful and healthy digital citizens.
Common Argument & Responses:
Child: "You can't take it away, it's my phone."
Parent: "No. I pay the bills, I signed the contract, it's actually my phone. I'm just letting you use it, and in order to do so, you have to follow the rules we agreed upon."
Note: Even if the child had to pay for it, as the parent, you had to sign the cell phone contract which means you take on the responsibility for it. They couldn't have it without you.
Extra Time Reward
If your child does something exceptional (helps someone, does great on a test, treats their sibling with kindness, etc.), use positive reinforcement to reward your child with an extra 30 minutes of screen time.
Parent-to-Teen Cell Phone Contract: Swipe up to view our Parent-to-Teen Cell Phone Contract. You can print it out and make modifications.
American Academy of Pediatrics: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-
life/Media/Pages/default.aspx
American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/topics/social-media-internet/technology-use-childrenx
American Academy of Pediatrics: https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/138/5/e20162593/60349/Children-and-Adolescents-and-Digital-Media?autologincheck=redirected
U.S. Surgeon General: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/sg-youth-mental-health-social-media-advisory.pdf