Screen Time FAQs for parents and carers
Practical answers to common questions about managing children’s screen time.
This FAQ guide provides age-appropriate information and tips to help families create a healthy balance between screen time, sleep, physical activity, learning, family time and social interaction.
On this page
A balanced approach
Screens do not need to be banned completely. The aim is to support healthy, balanced use so that screen time does not replace sleep, physical activity, schoolwork, family time, creativity or face-to-face interaction.
For parents of younger children, including lower primary school
Younger children need time for sleep, movement, play, talking, reading, social interaction and family routines. Screen time should be limited, age-appropriate and ideally shared with an adult.
How much screen time is recommended for my younger child?
For children aged 2–5, screen time should be limited to around one hour per day of high-quality content, ideally with a parent or caregiver involved. For children aged 6 and older, screen time should not interfere with sleep, physical activity, family time or other important activities.
What are the effects of too much screen time on younger children?
Too much screen time may affect children in different ways, particularly when it replaces sleep, movement, play or face-to-face interaction.
- Sleep: screen use before bed can disrupt sleep routines.
- Attention: excessive screen use may affect focus and concentration.
- Physical activity: sedentary screen use can reduce active play.
- Language and social development: too much screen time can reduce opportunities for talking, interaction and play.
How can I encourage my child to do other activities instead of screen time?
- Set clear boundaries: create a routine that includes outdoor play, reading and non-screen activities.
- Be a role model: take part in screen-free activities yourself.
- Make it a family activity: try baking, board games, walks, playgrounds or outdoor games.
- Reward balance: praise and encourage non-screen activities.
How can I make screen time educational?
- Choose age-appropriate educational apps or programmes.
- Look for content that supports learning, creativity or problem-solving.
- Watch or play together where possible.
- Talk to your child about what they are watching or doing.
My child seems obsessed with a screen-based activity, like gaming. What can I do?
- Set clear limits: agree time limits and monitor use.
- Use a timer: this can help signal when screen time is coming to an end.
- Offer alternatives: encourage outdoor play, reading, art, music or family activities.
- Emphasise balance: explain that screen time should sit alongside sleep, movement, learning and family time.
For parents of upper primary school children
At this age, children may become more independent with devices. Clear routines, consistent boundaries and family involvement can help screen use remain balanced.
How much screen time should my child have?
A useful guide is no more than two hours per day of recreational screen time, ensuring screen use does not replace physical activity, homework, family time or sleep. Educational use for homework or online learning should still be balanced with breaks and offline activities.
What are the risks of too much screen time?
- Sleep problems: screens close to bedtime can make it harder to fall asleep.
- Reduced physical activity: sedentary screen time can replace active play and movement.
- Social isolation: too much screen time can reduce face-to-face interaction and social development.
- School routines: screen time can interfere with homework, reading and concentration.
What activities can replace screen time?
- Outdoor sports, playground time or family walks.
- Arts and crafts, drawing, painting or building with LEGO.
- Reading, puzzles, board games or music.
- Cooking, baking or family activities.
- Clubs, hobbies or community activities.
How can I set boundaries without conflict?
- Start gradually: reduce screen time in small steps.
- Be clear and consistent: explain the rules and apply them calmly.
- Set specific times: for example, after homework or chores.
- Involve your child: agreeing rules together can improve cooperation.
Should screens be banned completely?
No. The goal is healthy, balanced use. Screens can support learning, creativity and recreation when they are age-appropriate, supervised and do not replace sleep, movement, schoolwork or family time.
For parents of teenagers and secondary school pupils
Teenagers need support to manage screens in a way that protects sleep, mood, learning, friendships and online safety. Conversations and agreed boundaries are usually more effective than punishment alone.
How much screen time should my teenager have?
A useful guide is no more than two hours per day of recreational screen time. Educational screen time for schoolwork or extracurricular learning is not included in this, but it should still be balanced with sleep, physical activity, offline friendships and family time.
What are the risks of excessive screen time for teens?
- Sleep disruption: late-night screen use, especially social media, can affect sleep quality.
- Mental health: heavy social media use may contribute to anxiety, low mood, cyberbullying or social comparison.
- Academic impact: excessive screen use can interfere with homework, revision and concentration.
- Physical health: more sedentary screen time can reduce physical activity.
- Online safety: young people may be exposed to harmful content, bullying, abuse or exploitation.
How can I set boundaries with my teenager around screen time?
- Have open conversations: talk about sleep, stress, mood, schoolwork and online safety.
- Listen to their perspective: understand what they use screens for and why.
- Co-create rules: agree boundaries around mealtimes, study time and bedtime.
- Use device tools: Apple Screen Time, Google Family Link and similar tools can help monitor and limit use.
- Keep rules realistic: boundaries are easier to maintain when they are clear, fair and consistent.
How can I help my teenager balance social media use?
- Discuss healthy social media habits and agree limits.
- Encourage offline friendships and in-person social activities.
- Talk about social comparison, harmful content, bullying and reporting abuse.
- Watch for changes in mood, sleep, behaviour or confidence.
- Seek professional support if you are concerned about your teenager’s wellbeing.
How can I help my teenager use screens productively?
- Encourage educational apps and learning platforms.
- Support creative uses such as music production, video editing, design, art or coding.
- Introduce productivity tools for time management, revision and organisation.
- Encourage regular breaks and offline activities alongside screen-based learning.
General tips for all age groups
Small, consistent changes can make screen time easier to manage across the whole family.
Keep bedrooms and dining areas screen-free where possible to support sleep and family interaction.
Children notice adult screen habits. Try to model the balance you want your child to develop.
Parental controls and device settings can help track use and support agreed boundaries.
Promote regular movement, sport, play and time outdoors to balance sedentary screen time.
Build screen time into a routine that also protects sleep, exercise, study and family time.
Removing screen use at least one hour before sleep can help children and teenagers wind down.
When should I seek help?
Seek support if screen use is affecting your child’s sleep, school attendance, mood, friendships, safety, physical activity, family relationships or daily routines.
You can speak to your child’s school, your GP, health visitor, school nurse or another trusted professional.
Resources and support
The following resources may help families find advice, support and alternatives to screen time.
- Smartphone Free Childhood
- UEFA Take Care: Screen Addiction Resources
- Children’s Commissioner for England
- Gibraltar Cultural Services Organisations
- Gibraltar Sports and Leisure Authority Sports Directory
- Gibraltar Scouting Association
- Girlguiding Gibraltar
Support lines
- Childline: 8008
- Teenline: 8009
- GibSams: 116123
