Many parents feel overwhelmed by warnings about screen time and still wonder what to do day to day. How much is too much, what should kids watch, and how do you talk about social media without starting a fight. Add stories about screen dependence and teen wellbeing, and the pressure can feel constant. Titania Jordan of Bark Technologies told Parents.com that there is no need for guilt, but there are practical steps that help families find a better balance.
A good starting point is unstructured play, ideally outdoors. Jordan encourages parents to invite kids to put devices down and return to the kind of free play that does not require an agenda. Alanna Gallo, an educator and founder of Play. Learn. Thrive, has said that simple toys like building bricks or wooden blocks are enough, and that parents are not responsible for entertaining children all day. Even boredom can be useful, because it gives kids room to imagine, build, and problem solve on their own.
Real world friendships need similar support. Jordan points to Monitoring the Future data showing that the share of high school students who spent time with friends in person almost every day fell from 44 percent in 2010 to 32 percent in 2022. Her suggestion is to plan more in person hangouts and make it easier for kids to be present by using a “tech basket” where phones and other devices can be parked during playtime. When face to face time becomes the default, social confidence has more space to grow.
Sleep is another area where screens quietly cause trouble. Jordan warns that blue light can disrupt melatonin and that alerts and vibrations can fragment rest. Her rule is simple, no technology in bedrooms and no devices behind closed doors, especially at night. The American Academy of Pediatrics has also warned that many school age kids and teens do not get enough sleep, which can affect mood, focus, and school performance.
None of this works if adults are glued to their own phones. Jordan reminds parents that children copy what they see, so it helps to set your own boundaries when you are together. Screen free rituals can make that easier, whether it is device free meals, car rides, or bedrooms. When the whole family follows the same rules, it feels less like punishment and more like a shared habit.
Jordan also recommends creating a simple family tech plan with kids, not for them. Agree on who they can communicate with, what is off limits, and when they need to ask permission before downloading or joining something new. Keep the conversation ongoing, ask how technology makes them feel, and use those talks to discuss misinformation and how algorithms steer what shows up on their feeds.
What is one screen related rule that would make your home feel calmer in 2026? Share your thoughts in the comments.
