Managing screen time - Parenting Limerick

IN A recent survey of parents in Limerick, two in five said they wanted support in relation to screentime. In the first of a two part series, we will be focusing on screentime and online gaming.

Screens are now a central part of daily life for children and teenagers. This has come into sharper focus in the last few weeks with the Prime Time focus on Roblox, an online gaming platform for primary school children.

Whether they are watching TV, scrolling through social media, messaging friends or playing online games, young people today are growing up in a world where digital devices feel almost inseparable from learning, entertainment and social connection. For many families, screens have become a helpful tool, it is a way to complete schoolwork, stay connected with friends or explore new hobbies. Yet, like any tool, how they are used matters. As parents, it can be hard to know how to support healthy screen habits at home, especially as technology continues to evolve so quickly.

Screen time refers to any activity done in front of a digital screen. This includes TVs, tablets, smartphones and computers. Children and teenagers now spend more time on screens than any previous generation. Research shows that children aged eight-12 spend an average of four-six hours online each day, while teenagers spend up to nine hours daily.

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Adults also spend significant time online, averaging seven-10 hours per day. Because screens are now present in almost every setting; school, home, and social life, it is not just the amount of time that matters, but the quality and purpose of the screen use.

Screens can offer many benefits when used well. Children can learn new skills, expand their creativity, and stay connected with family and friends. Educational programmes and interactive games can support problem-solving, coordination and even aspects of executive functioning. Screens can be fun, social and stimulating. However, research also highlights important areas for parents to be aware of, especially when screens begin to replace key activities such as sleep, socialising, outdoor play and rest.

As children grow older, screens begin to influence other areas of wellbeing. Research consistently shows a relationship between high screen use and sleep difficulties. The stimulating nature of online content, especially close to bedtime, can make it harder for the brain to wind down. Blue light from screens also delays the release of melatonin, the hormone that signals the body to sleep, often leading to shorter sleep duration or a disrupted sleep cycle. Sleep difficulties can then impact mood, concentration and overall daily functioning.

Screen time can also influence eating habits and physical health. When screen use replaces physical activity, particularly long hours of TV or gaming, the risk of weight gain increases. Children exposed to frequent advertising during screen time may also develop stronger preferences for unhealthy snacks and sugary foods. While screens themselves do not cause health difficulties, the routines built around them can influence lifestyle patterns.

Many parents notice changes in attention or concentration when screen time increases. This can happen for a few reasons. When children spend long periods engaging in fast-paced digital content, their brain receives constant stimulation. Slower, real-life activities such as homework, reading or conversations may then feel harder or less rewarding. High screen use can also reduce the amount of time children spend practising skills like patience, problem-solving and emotional regulation.

The Primary Care Child and Family Psychology Service are running a free online parenting webinar, Managing Screentime and Gaming, on Thursday, December 11 from 10am to 11.30am. This workshop is suitable for parents who want to support their child in managing screen time and gaming habits. To attend, contact 087 3451489 to register with the Primary Care Psychology team. Registration closes on Tuesday, December 9 at 11am.

This article was written by Diekololaoluwa Amujo, Psychology Assistant with the HSE Primary Care Child and Family Service, Limerick. This service is a member of Parenting Limerick, a network of parenting and family support services across Limerick city and county.