Too much? Signs screen use is becoming a problem

Lots of children love their screens, and many spend more time on them than parents would like. That alone doesn't mean there's a problem. What matters is whether screen use is crowding out the things your child needs, and whether they can stop when they need to.

Warning signs

Consider whether your child:

• Loses sleep regularly because of screens
• Falls behind at school, or stops doing homework
• Gives up activities they used to enjoy: sports, friends, hobbies
• Can't stop even when they want to, or when it's causing problems
• Becomes very angry, anxious or low when screens are limited
• Lies or hides how much they use screens
• Withdraws from family and in-person friends
• Shows physical effects: headaches, eye strain, poor posture, not eating

One or two signs now and then is normal. Several signs, lasting weeks or months, deserves attention.

Gaming disorder

The World Health Organization recognises gaming disorder as a health condition. It's diagnosed when, for at least 12 months (usually), a person has impaired control over gaming, gives it increasing priority over other activities, and continues despite serious negative effects on their life. It's uncommon, and most children who game a lot don't have it. See too much gaming: the signs.

What's going on underneath?

Heavy screen use is sometimes a symptom rather than the cause. Children may use screens to escape:

• Bullying at school or online
• Stress, anxiety or low mood
• Loneliness
• Family conflict or big changes, like a parent leaving to work abroad

If your child's screen use changed suddenly, ask about what else is happening.

What to do

1. Watch for a week. Note when, how long and what they use, and how they seem.
2. Talk, without accusation. "I've noticed you seem tired lately and you're on your phone late. How are you doing?"
3. Make a plan together. Agree on changes and write them down. See family media plan.
4. Protect sleep first. See phones and sleep.
5. Add alternatives. Cutting screens without anything to replace them rarely works. See offline activities.
6. Use controls to support the plan, not as the plan.

When to get help

Talk to your paediatrician, school guidance counsellor or a mental health professional if:

• Problems continue despite your efforts
• Your child seems depressed, anxious or talks about self-harm
• School performance drops sharply
• Family conflict about screens is severe

If your child is in crisis, call the National Center for Mental Health crisis hotline at 1553, or 911 in an emergency. See also cyberbullying and mental health.