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Screens: not just any other toy!

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On this fact sheet

Not sure how to manage screen time at home?

When it comes to kids, the less screen time the better!

Your preteen isn’t mature enough to manage screen time on their own. It’s important to know that a lot of online content is designed to be addictive.

This fact sheet contains tips to help you manage screen time at home.

To better understand

Aim for balanced screen time

Screens have become very useful and are now part of everyday life for kids and adults alike. They can be used to do research, stay connected with others, relax during downtime, etc.

The problem?

Many apps are designed to create frequent, small bursts of pleasure in the brain. Because their brains are more reactive to screens, children have a higher risk of developing an addiction. This can affect their physical and mental health, sleep, grades, and many other parts of their life.

That’s why children need to learn to use screens in a balanced way. That means:

A video game like Fortnite (rated 13+) is not remotely appropriate for preteens, even though many play it. Other popular games like Minecraft and Roblox, although rated for everyone, can be problematic.

These games often contain gambling-type elements such as:

  • Prompts to spend real money to advance in the game;
  • Random rewards, like a lottery;
  • Notifications that encourage players to log in multiple times a day.

Some of the most popular social media platforms are also not recommended for preteens. These include TikTok (15+), YouTube (13+) and Snapchat.

Even though many preteens use these platforms, they are often exposed to inappropriate content such as:

  • violent comments and actions;
  • misinformation;
  • “challenges” or dares;
  • content creators encouraging risky behaviour;
  • sexual content and images;
  • unrealistic body images.

Statistics – 2024 NETendance survey

55 %

of parents say their children have trouble disconnecting from the internet.

37 %

of parents of children aged 12 and under say it’s difficult to control or supervise their children’s online activities.

Be there for your preteen

Here are some suggestions for supervising and managing screen

Find together alternatives to screens: sports, board games, outdoor activities, reading, etc.

 

Wait as long as possible before giving your preteen a tablet or smartphone. Even if it’s an old one with no data plan, Wi-Fi is available almost everywhere these days. It’s much easier to refuse these requests than to manage daily screen time!

Set clear times when screens are and aren’t allowed—for you and your preteen.

  • Avoid screens during meals. Mealtime is a great opportunity for family conversation!
  • Avoid screens before school or homework time. They affect concentration.
  • Keep screens out of the bedrooms. Also keep them out of other isolated parts of the house so you can more easily supervise, discuss and watch together.
  • Turn off screens at least one hour before bedtime. The brain needs to wind down before sleep.
  • Remove access to screens and Wi-Fi at night. This promotes good-quality, distraction-free sleep, which is very important for your preteen!

Choose TVs and computers over cell phones and tablets. They’re less portable, so easier to manage.

If you want to be able to reach your preteen, get them a flip phone.

Add controls on your devices: passwords, time limits, content filters, etc.

Set clear rules and explain why they’re needed. Hold your ground even if your preteen protests or has a tantrum. If you stand firm, the tantrums will stop after a few days. After that, your preteen will adapt, even though they might test you once in a while.

Talk about good online habits: what to do, say and share—and what not to.

For example:

  • Allow your preteen to chat online only with people they know in real life;
  • At this age, sharing photos, videos, locations and other personal information should be avoided;
  • Encourage your preteen to question what they see on social media.

This guide contains a lot of suggestions, which you might find a little overwhelming. You’re not wrong!

Aim for one or two changes at a time, moving step by step toward your goals!

Ressources et outils pratiques

1. For support :

You are dealing with a situation that worries you? Ask for help :

Community organizations: family centre, youth centre, etc.

Some community organizations offer support programs for parents of teenagers. Call your local organization for information.

School staff members

2. For more information :

3. References

This info sheet has been written in collaboration with :

Camille Paquet, agente de planification, de programmation et de recherche, CISSS Montérégie-Est

Direction, La maison de Jonathan, organisme en prévention des dépendances

Direction, Le CIEL Centre pour l’intelligence émotionnelle en ligne

Direction, Satellite, organisme en prévention des dépendances

Kelly-Ann Gilbert, agente de relations humaines, Direction de santé publique de la Montérégie

Nancy Lo, agente de relations humaines, Direction de santé publique de la Montérégie

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