September 8, 2025 – The Internet has become the backbone of modern family life— powering learning, work, streaming, and entertainment. At Clearwave Fiber, we’re proud to deliver fast, reliable Fiber Internet that keeps your household connected while also helping parents navigate one of today’s biggest challenges: kid’s screen time.
That said, it’s not surprising that many parents lament the amount of time their kids spend in front of their screens. From texting with their friends, to online gaming, to watching TikTok videos or streaming their favorite TV show, the hours can really add up. And parents aren’t wrong to wish that more of that screen time instead be spent on homework, exercise, enjoying fresh air—or even just having more quality time with their families.
Thankfully, there are some things parents can do to manage and even limit their child’s screen time. Below we share five of our favorite tips developed by experts to help parents create a healthier balance for their kids and their devices. Read on to learn more!
Tip #1: Be a Role Model with Your Own Screen Time
Children learn by observing the behaviors of the adults around them, especially their parents. One of the most effective ways to reduce kids’ screen time is by demonstrating healthy and balanced device habits yourself. When parents consciously limit their own use of phones, tablets, or computers, children are more likely to follow suit and develop positive digital habits.
According to the Raising Children Network, modeling responsible screen use is key to helping children understand boundaries with technology. Parents who set clear examples—such as taking tech-free breaks during meals, prioritizing family time over screens, or engaging in offline hobbies—encourage kids to adopt similar habits. Over time, this approach not only reduces excessive screen time but also fosters better focus, creativity, and family connection.
By leading with your own actions, you show children that technology can be used thoughtfully and intentionally, creating a foundation for healthy screen habits that last a lifetime.
Tip #2 Create a Screen Time Schedule
Structure makes a difference. One effective tool for getting your child’s screen time under control is to set a schedule for when your child is permitted to use any of their devices. For example, you may decide that any time immediately after school ends is strictly for outdoor exercise, extracurricular activities, and homework time—up until dinner (where devices are also off-limits).
You can further limit screen time to one or two hours of streaming TV and social media or online videos, but not more. Critically, however, parents must actually enforce the schedule they implement. This includes establishing negative consequences (e.g., temporarily confiscating any devices) for violating the schedule.
Again, consistency is critical for this tip to be effective, but implementing a screen time schedule instills daily patterns and order that helps keep your kids’ priorities on track.
Tip #3 Set Up Screen-Free Zones
Certain spaces should be tech-free to encourage connection and creativity. Another terrific way to foster better lifestyle and activity balance and reduce your child’s screen time is to create “screen-free zones” in your home. Parents can choose different ways to implement screen-free zones, such as making sure that everyone (including parents) refrain from using any device at the dinner table during meals.
Another option is to establish a screen-free zone in certain rooms in the house that are to be used exclusively for device-free activities and purposes. These activities can include family board or card games, reading together, homework and study time, or other screen-free hobbies. Designating these screen-free zones helps everyone unplug, recharge, and reconnect without distractions.
Tip #4 Utilize Parental Controls
Some children may be more used to their devices by the time their parents start to implement steps to intervene and limit their screen time than others—and long-time overuse can make it harder to break the habit.
With more stubborn instances of “device dependence,” some parents may decide to take more direct measures to limit their child’s screen time by installing parental control apps on their kid’s devices.
Sometimes, kids need a little extra help sticking to the rules. That’s where parental controls come in. With Clearwave Fiber’s Managed Wi-Fi app, parents can:
- Pause devices during family time or homework
- Set screen time limits
- Monitor online activity in real-time
These tools take the stress out of being the “screen time police” and let your Internet connection work for you. To learn more about Clearwave Fiber’s Managed Wi-Fi app, visit Clearwave Fiber App.
Tip #5 Allow an Occasional Binge Day
Balance isn’t about cutting out fun—it’s about moderation. Allowing an occasional binge day rewards your child for following the screen time boundaries you’ve set. This could be a movie marathon, binge-watching a favorite TV series, or participating in a special online gaming session.
Experts agree that acknowledging your child’s success in managing screen time reinforces positive habits and helps them understand that technology can be used responsibly. Occasional indulgences also teach kids that screens can be enjoyable without taking over their daily lives.
By combining scheduling, parental controls, and occasional rewards, parents can help children reduce screen time while fostering a healthy, balanced relationship with technology that supports long-term well-being.
For more helpful hints on making the most of Clearwave Fiber’s high-speed Fiber Internet, follow our social media! If you’re interested in signing up for our 100% Fiber network, visit Residential – Clearwave Fiber.
