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Blogs / Screen time and tech

Screen time and technology: a guide for parents

Limits that hold, the first phone, games, AI and what to do instead. Calm, practical guides for children aged 6–14.

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How Much Screen Time Is Too Much for Kids? A Guide by Age

How Much Screen Time Is Too Much for Kids? A Guide by Age

What paediatricians recommend at each age, the signs it's too much, and how to set limits that hold without a fight every evening.

How to Reduce Screen Time for Kids Without the Daily Fights

How to Reduce Screen Time for Kids Without the Daily Fights

Why switching off ends in tears, a routine that makes limits hold, and what to offer in place of the screen.

50 Screen-Free Activities for Kids Aged 6–14 (at Home, Outside and on the Go)

50 Screen-Free Activities for Kids Aged 6–14 (at Home, Outside and on the Go)

Low-prep ideas for after school, weekends, road trips and restaurants, sorted by where you are, plus how to get a screen-loving child to actually try them.

More guides

  • What Age Should a Child Get a Phone? A Practical Guide for ParentsThere's no perfect age, but there is a sensible order: a basic phone first, a smartphone later, social media last. Signs your child is ready, and rules that make the first phone go well.6 min read
  • Is Roblox Safe for Kids? A Parent's Guide to Settings, Chat and Time LimitsWhat Roblox is, the real risks, how to set up parental controls and chat settings, and family rules that keep it fun, with what changed in Roblox's 2026 safety updates.7 min read
  • How to Teach Kids to Use AI Safely for School (and Still Think for Themselves)AI can explain, quiz and give feedback, or it can do the thinking for your child. Simple family rules for homework, privacy and spotting fakes.6 min read
  • Screen Time vs Reading: What's Better for Your Child's Brain?What brain studies found, why books feel hard after screens, and how to help your child reach for a book more often.7 min read

Give them a screen-free hour they look forward to

In a free 60-minute, 1:1 online session, a trained college mentor talks through a story picked for your child's interests, then helps them start one of their own. For children aged 6–14 who can already read.

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Find books your child will actually read

Book lists by age and interest for kids aged 6–14, every book checked for age-appropriate content.

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Want a list made for your child? Take the free 2-minute book quiz and get seven books matched to their age and interests.

Questions parents ask

How much screen time should a child have?

There is no single number for every child. Most experts suggest consistent limits that protect sleep, physical activity, homework and family time, with more care around fast-paced games and videos. Our screen time guide breaks it down by age.

How do I cut screen time without daily fights?

Agree when screens happen rather than arguing each time, give a warning before switch-off, and have something ready to fill the gap. The first week is the hardest; most children settle within two.

What can my child do instead of screens?

Reading, building, drawing, cooking, outdoor games, and card and board games all work. Leave a few options where your child can see them, and let them choose.

More topics

  • Feelings and friendships
  • Reading habits and confidence
  • Focus and learning
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