How to manage your kids’ screen time over Christmas (without tantrums)

With the Christmas break approaching, parents may be concerned about managing increased screen time when children are home from school.

These ‘iPad Babies’ are already spending significant time on devices, and school holidays often mean even more hours watching videos, playing games, and scrolling on tablets and phones.

One study last year showed that kids aged 6 to 14 spend an average of 2.77 hours a day on screens, with nearly half of them clocking in at least 2 hours daily. This number typically increases during school holidays, leaving parents struggling to find the right balance between allowing entertainment and preventing excessive screen use.

Parents need to strike a balance so kids can enjoy technology without it taking over their lives. The Christmas period should be about family time and making memories, not just being glued to screens.

To help you, Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, CEO of FreezeNova Games and an expert in children’s gaming habits shares tips for managing your child’s screen time during the festive season, whatever their age, without causing tantrums or arguments.

How to manage your child’s screen time (without tantrums)

Balancing screen time can be a challenge, but with these expert tips, you can help your child develop healthy habits across different age groups.

Managing screen time for children under 6

At this age, children are rapidly developing cognitive and motor skills through hands-on activities and interactive play. They need a variety of non-screen activities to support their overall growth.

Holiday Activities: Create a festive activity calendar mixing screen time with seasonal crafts and outdoor play.
Scheduled Screen Time: Set a daily limit on screen time and stick to it. Use a timer to make it fun and predictable.
Quality Content: Choose holiday-themed educational content and watch together as a family.

Managing screen time for children aged 7-11

Children in this age group are increasingly using technology for both education and entertainment. Parents should guide them towards productive screen use while ensuring they have ample opportunities for physical and social activities.

Screen Schedule: Create a holiday schedule that balances entertainment with other activities.
Alternative Activities: Mix screen time with seasonal activities like decorating or holiday baking.
Active Breaks: For every hour of screen time, plan a festive activity that gets them moving.

Managing screen time for children aged 12-15

Preteens and teens start seeking more independence, including in their screen use. During the holiday break, you need to set clear boundaries while allowing for some flexibility.

Set Boundaries: Clearly define screen time limits and adjust them appropriately for the holiday period while maintaining structure.
Encourage Hobbies: The break is perfect for developing offline interests – try holiday baking, winter sports, or making handmade gifts.
Tech-Free Time: Establish tech-free times, especially during family meals and before bedtime, with extra emphasis during special holiday moments.

Managing screen time for teens aged 16+

Older teens are preparing for adulthood and need to learn how to manage their own screen time responsibly. The holiday period provides an opportunity to practice this balance.

Self-Regulation: Help teens understand how to manage their increased free time during the break, balancing screen use with other activities.
Healthy Balance: Encourage mixing screen time with holiday social activities, family traditions, and seasonal events.
Role Modelling: Show your teens how to enjoy the holiday season both on and off screens – maybe start by watching a festive movie together as a family.

Create a new holiday screen-time routine

The sudden shift from structured school days to open-ended holiday time can be overwhelming for both children and parents. Without their usual routine, children often default to screens to fill their time.

The trick isn’t to completely restrict screen time – that’s likely to cause frustration and rebellion. Instead, parents should create a new holiday rhythm that includes planned screen time alongside festive activities. This might mean being slightly more flexible with usual limits, while still maintaining clear boundaries.