In today’s digital age, screens have woven themselves into the very fabric of our lives, becoming as common as the air we breathe. Our children, born into this era, often wield smartphones and tablets with the confidence of seasoned tech gurus. They can navigate the virtual landscape with the finesse of a seasoned explorer, and it’s all part of growing up in the 21st century.  In today’s digital age, it’s no secret that screens have become an integral part of our lives, and that includes our children’s lives.  But what happens when these screens, these portals to a vast digital universe, begin to exert a magnetic pull, ensnaring our 9-year-olds in a web of screen addiction?   What happens when those screens start to take over, and you find yourself in the midst of a full-blown screen addiction saga with your 5-year-old? Fear not, parents and caregivers, for we’re here to navigate this digital wilderness together.

Picture this: Your once-playful 7-year-old has now become a screen-time aficionado. It seems like every waking moment is spent glued to a smartphone, tablet, or computer. You wonder, “How did we get here?”  When “just five more minutes” spirals into hours, and the real world seems to blur at the edges of the digital landscape?

Now, let’s get nerdy for a moment. Your child’s brain is a magnificent playground of neurons and neurotransmitters. When they engage with screens, their brain’s reward system goes into overdrive, pumping out dopamine like a confetti cannon at a birthday party. Every ‘like,’ every ‘level up,’ every cute cat video—they all contribute to this dopamine-fueled cycle. And guess what? The brain craves more of that sweet dopamine goodness.   So, beneath this digital enchantment? The answer lies in the intricate workings of the brain, specifically, the captivating dance of neurotransmitters and neural circuits. You see, the brain has a reward system designed to encourage behaviors that bring pleasure and satisfaction. Screens, with their colorful displays, interactive games, and social feedback, excel at activating this system.  Dopamine is the brain’s way of saying, “Wow, that felt great!” It’s like a virtual pat on the back, a high-five for the brain. And your child’s brain loves it.

Now, here’s where the plot thickens. The brain, much like a child at an amusement park, craves more of what makes it feel good. So, when your child gets a taste of that sweet dopamine goodness from screens, they naturally want more. This is when the age-old “just five more minutes” plea takes center stage. It’s not just a whimsical request; it’s a neurological response. The brain, having experienced the pleasure of dopamine, desires an encore. It yearns for another rush of excitement, another burst of virtual confetti.  And who doesn’t love confetti 🙂

Our brains are wired to seek pleasure, and screens provide an enticing source of it.

So what now?

The Power of Tech-Free Zones and Outdoor Adventures

These tech-free zones can be as simple as your dining room, where family meals are sacred and screens are banished. Or perhaps it’s the cozy haven of your child’s bedroom, where bedtime stories come to life on printed pages instead of glowing screens. Designating tech-free zones in your home, like the dining room or the bedroom, can work wonders. The magic here lies in the transformation of these spaces into enticing havens of imagination. Make these spaces enticing with books, puzzles, and art supplies. By making these zones appealing, you create a magnetic pull towards offline activities that stimulate the mind and general creativity.

Outdoor adventures can also be a game-changer. Take your child on nature walks, go for a family bike ride, or have a picnic in the park. These activities not only provide a screen-free escape but also create cherished family memories.

Tech-Savvy Parenting: The Art of Balance

As a parent or caregiver, it’s vital to model balanced screen use. Our actions speak louder than words, and that’s where tech-savvy parenting comes into play.  Kids are keen observers, and they learn from your behavior. Explain why and how you use screens responsibly. Share the importance of balance and the potential consequences of excessive screen time, such as sleep disturbances and reduced physical activity.

In the grand adventure of parenting, dealing with screen addiction is just one of the many challenges you’ll face. You can help your child find the digital sweet spot—a place where screens are part of life but not the center of it. So, parents and caregivers, fear not the digital dilemma. Embrace the journey, laugh at the screen-time negotiation antics, and remember that your child’s brain is a work in progress.  You’ve got this!

Check out our Parent Hub Resources, for a handout on

• Parenting Strategies to address screen addiction in children, and how to implement them
• Alternatives to screens, alternative activities that activate the brain’s reward system in healthy ways
• Transition strategies for screens to non-screen activities when children struggle with the transition