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Health, Wellbeing and Lifestyle

The screen time balance

In this lesson, students learn what it means to 'balance' screen time, how to make positive choices for their wellbeing and how to get help if they need it.

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Parent tips

  • Think: Talk about how screen time fits into everyday life


    - Discuss the different ways children use screens, for learning, chatting with friends, gaming or watching videos.
    - Help them reflect on how different activities make them feel and how screen time fits alongside school, hobbies and family time.

  • Check: Help children understand their screen habits


    - Ask children to think about how much time they spend on screens during a typical day.

    - Talk about whether screen use is replacing other important activities like exercise, sleep or spending time with family and friends.

  • Choose: Work together to build healthy routines


    - Agree on simple boundaries together, such as screen-free times at meals or before bed.
    - Encourage children to balance screen use with activities such as sports, reading, creative hobbies or outdoor play.
    - Lead by example by modelling balanced device use yourself.

  • Act: Support children if they struggle to balance screen time


    - If screen time is causing arguments, tiredness or difficulty concentrating, work together to adjust routines.
    - Use tools such as device timers, parental controls or family tech agreements if needed.
    - Remind children they can talk to you if they feel pressure to stay online with friends or games longer than they want.
    Helping children develop balanced screen habits supports both their digital skills and their overall wellbeing.