In today’s world, digital devices are part of nearly every child’s daily routine. While screens can offer opportunities for learning, connection, and creativity, they can also overwhelm a child’s emotional and mental well-being without healthy boundaries. As caregivers, how can we support young people in navigating screen use and social media in ways that foster safety, confidence, and connection?
At Maryvale, we believe in holistic care that supports children’s full development: emotional, social, cognitive, and physical. Let’s explore age-appropriate, supportive strategies for screen time and social media use that work harmoniously with a child’s growing mind.
Why Screen Time Boundaries Matter
Research shows that excessive screen use, particularly when unsupervised or unstructured, can impact a child’s sleep, attention span, academic performance, and even emotional development. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, children aged 8–18 now spend an average of 7+ hours per day on screens for entertainment alone.
But the issue isn’t just quantity. It’s the quality of that screen time and whether it aligns with a child’s developmental needs. When screen use lacks intention, it can crowd out opportunities for creativity, physical activity, and face-to-face connection. By balancing screen time with age-appropriate experiences that support growth, caregivers can help children build healthy digital habits from the start. Thoughtful boundaries not only promote brain development and emotional regulation but also help children feel secure and better equipped to thrive both online and off.
Age-Appropriate Approaches to Screen Use
Early Childhood (0–5 years):
Screen time should be minimal and highly supervised for toddlers and preschoolers. Instead of solo time on devices, opt for co-viewing short, educational programs that spark curiosity, just like Maryvale’s Learning Centers encourage hands-on play. Through meaningful play, whether it’s acting out a story or digging in the dirt, children naturally grow their vocabulary, become more physically confident, and start to navigate their emotions in everyday situations.
Elementary Age (6–12 years):
Children in this stage benefit from structured screen use. Encourage interactive experiences like educational games, creative apps, or documentaries that align with their interests. This is also the right time to begin guiding children toward safe and thoughtful online behavior while encouraging them to stay engaged in active, offline experiences.
Teens (13–18 years):
Teenagers naturally crave independence, but they still need guidance. Social media significantly influences identity, self-worth, and peer dynamics. Instead of banning devices, help teens reflect on how content makes them feel and encourage open dialogue about what they see online.
Tips for Creating Healthy Boundaries
- Set clear screen-free times and zones:
Dinner time, car rides, and before bed are great moments to unplug. Create tech-free zones (like bedrooms) to protect sleep and emotional rest. - Use parental controls with transparency:
Tools like app limits and content filters help you stay aware of your child’s digital life, but it's essential to let them know why those tools are in place. Framing limits as protection, not punishment, builds trust. - Co-create a family tech agreement:
Involving kids in the rule-making process helps them take ownership. Include rules around social media, screen time limits, privacy, and respectful online behavior. - Model balanced tech use:
Children notice everything. Show them what it means to take screen breaks, set boundaries, and be present in the moment.
Understanding Social Media’s Influence on Self-Esteem
Social media can connect teens with peers, expose them to new ideas, and allow for creative expression. But it can also become a source of comparison, cyberbullying, and unrealistic beauty or success standards.
A study from Common Sense Media found that over half of teens say social media often distracts them from doing homework or spending time with family. And nearly 1 in 3 teen girls report that platforms like Instagram make them feel worse about their bodies.
At Maryvale, we understand that healthy screen use supports emotional development, especially during the teen years, when digital experiences can deeply affect self-esteem. Helping teens navigate these spaces with confidence means offering steady and compassionate guidance.
Encourage meaningful offline connections, whether through shared activities, family time, or real-world friendships that build belonging beyond the screen. Talk openly about how social media often presents edited, unrealistic versions of life, and help your teen recognize the difference between appearance and reality. Practicing simple media literacy by asking “Who made this content, and what message are they sending?” can empower teens to think critically rather than compare endlessly. Most importantly, let them know they can come to you when they feel overwhelmed by online pressure, negativity, or unrealistic standards.
What Healthy Screen Use Looks Like
Healthy screen use doesn’t mean eliminating screens altogether. It means aligning them with your child’s needs and fostering habits that build resilience. This can include:
- Choosing educational apps or shows that promote creativity
- Using video calls to maintain family connections
- Pairing online learning with real-world activities
- Encouraging digital journaling or video creation for expression
At our Early Education Center, for example, screen-based activities are integrated intentionally into our Learning Centers to complement hands-on exploration. Balance is key, whether it’s watching a nature clip before going outside to garden or reading along with a digital storybook before building vocabulary.
Maryvale Can Help
If you’re unsure about managing your child’s screen time or supporting their emotional development in a digital world, you’re not alone. Maryvale offers programs that help caregivers guide children toward healthy habits, both online and offline.
Our Early Education Center integrates intentional, hands-on learning experiences that promote language, creativity, and social skills, without relying on screens. For older children and teens, our Mental Health Services support emotional well-being and help families navigate challenges related to digital use, self-esteem, and communication.
Whether you're raising a toddler or supporting a teen, Maryvale is here to partner with you in building balanced foundations for lifelong growth.
Takeaway for Caregivers
Screens are part of our children's world, but we shape how they engage with them. By setting loving boundaries, choosing quality content, and staying connected to your child’s emotional world, you offer something no app ever could: security, self-worth, and support.
You’re not expected to have all the answers. Start with conversation, stay open, and lean into community. We’re here to walk this digital journey with you.
