Setting Boundaries Around Device Use: Why It Matters and How to Make It Work
By Donna Marrinan, Psychologist, BPsych(Hons), GDIP (Psych)
July 2025
By Donna Marrinan, Psychologist, BPsych(Hons), GDIP (Psych)
July 2025
As a psychologist, I regularly speak with parents who feel unsure or overwhelmed when it comes to managing their children’s screen time. Devices are now part of everyday life, whether for learning, entertainment or staying in touch with family and friends. However, screen use can quickly increase beyond healthy levels. Setting clear and consistent boundaries can help protect your child's mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.
Why Healthy Boundaries Matter
Research shows that too much screen time, particularly when it is passive, unstructured or used late in the day, can negatively impact child development. In younger children, it can delay language development and reduce attention spans. For school-aged children and teenagers, high levels of screen use are linked to poor sleep, mood problems, difficulties with concentration and challenges with social skills.
The Australian Department of Health recommends that children aged two to five years should have no more than one hour of screen time per day. Older children and teenagers should also have consistent limits that support a healthy balance between digital use and other important daily activities. The goal is not to ban screen completely but to ensure children also have time for sleep, physical activity, time outdoors and face-to-face interaction.
The Australian Department of Health recommends that children aged two to five years should have no more than one hour of screen time per day. Older children and teenagers should also have consistent limits that support a healthy balance between digital use and other important daily activities. The goal is not to ban screen completely but to ensure children also have time for sleep, physical activity, time outdoors and face-to-face interaction.
Emotional, Social and Physical Impacts
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Spending too much time on screens, especially on social media or gaming platforms, can contribute to increased anxiety, irritability, and low self-esteem. It can also reduce opportunities for real-world social learning, such as reading facial expressions, resolving conflict and developing empathy.
Sleep is another area of concern. The blue light emitted from screens can interfere with the body’s melatonin production, which helps regulate sleep. Children who use screens late at night often have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, which can affect their mood, memory and concentration the next day (Hale & Guan, 2015; LeBourgeois et al., 2017). Excessive screen use also contributes to reduced physical activity. A more sedentary lifestyle can lead to weight gain and lower overall health. Reducing screen time and encouraging regular movement can improve sleep, boost energy and support overall wellbeing. |
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Practical Tips for Setting Boundaries That Stick
Setting screen time limits doesn’t have to feel like a daily battle. With some planning and open communication, your family can build healthier digital habits that are realistic and sustainable:
- Start with a conversation. Talk to your child about why limits are important. Involve them in setting the rules so they feel included rather than restricted.
- Use natural reset points. The beginning of a new school term, calendar month or year is a good time to make changes to screen time routines.
- Be consistent. Children do best when rules are predictable. Set regular screen-free times, such as during meals or in bedrooms, and follow them every day.
- Create a family charging station. Ask everyone to hand in their devices at an agreed time each night. Keep them charging in a common area such as the kitchen or lounge room. This supports better sleep and helps reduce exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF).
- Adjust for age and needs. Older children may need more screen time for schoolwork or to connect with friends. Explain to younger children that rules change as they grow and take on more responsibility.
- Balance is key. Make time each day for other activities such as reading, playing outside, creative projects and family connection.
- Lead by example. Children pay attention to how adults use technology. When they see you choosing to switch off, they are more likely to follow your lead.
Setting boundaries around screen time is not about being strict for the sake of it. It is about supporting your child’s health, building strong habits and making sure that technology remains a positive part of everyday life.
References
Hale, L., & Guan, S. (2015). Screen time and sleep among school-aged children and adolescents: A systematic literature review. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 22, 50–58.
LeBourgeois, M. L., et al. (2017). Digital media and sleep in childhood and adolescence. JAMA Paediatrics, 171(2), 110–118.
Mendelsohn, A. L., et al. (2018). Media use and child development: The role of the environment in the effects of screen time. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 12(5), 445–456.
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. (2021). Physical activity and exercise guidelines for all Australians. Retrieved from health.gov.au
Hale, L., & Guan, S. (2015). Screen time and sleep among school-aged children and adolescents: A systematic literature review. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 22, 50–58.
LeBourgeois, M. L., et al. (2017). Digital media and sleep in childhood and adolescence. JAMA Paediatrics, 171(2), 110–118.
Mendelsohn, A. L., et al. (2018). Media use and child development: The role of the environment in the effects of screen time. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 12(5), 445–456.
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. (2021). Physical activity and exercise guidelines for all Australians. Retrieved from health.gov.au