Like many parents, I daresay you read the headlines about the evils of modern technology. Maybe you are of the ‘no TV, no devices’ approach, preferring your children to read, make things and play outside.

If that is the case, then all power to you, but for many, screen time is a mainstay of modern life and it looks like it’s here to stay. So what is the best way to support your children, allow them to navigate the virtual world without turning grey?

Establish boundaries

As always, the first port of call is establishing boundaries. Although most effective when introduced at an early age, it is never too late to change and reaffirm the boundaries you want to maintain.

Rather than approaching the issue as a struggle to overcome, it is easier for everyone if screen time is incorporated into a wider plan of action. Linking screen time to certain times of the day and creating a sense of pride in the kids for following the rules is highly effective.

Children who actively look forward to their ‘screen time’ and can self regulate – turning off when a programme has ended or when a certain game level is reached and receiving praise and affirmation for their choices – will grow up confident and with an innate ability to trust themselves.

However, a lack of clear boundaries or understanding as to what is expected of them can leave our kids feeling lost and confused, leading to parental involvement being repeatedly negative, critical and frustrating.

Life with our kids can be easy and fun if well-managed, so think carefully about how you want your relationship to feel and aim to keep that in mind when making changes.

Teenagers use gaming to connect with peers and feel secure, so giving them the space to play whilst maintaining high expectations of respectful behaviour and healthy self care is a great way forward.

Finding points of connection where you can listen to them and let them know you are available is key, so try to avoid only ever talking to your teen to tell them to clean their room or have a shower! A cup of tea and a heartfelt ‘I love you’ goes a long way with our older offspring, and it makes you feel good too!

Children need a range of learning experiences

With little ones, there are many great children’s programmes and games that they will enjoy, and that will indeed aid their learning. As long as they are supported with physical play and a wide range of learning experiences in life, they will thrive.

But remember, your phone is no replacement for your attention, so while it may keep your toddler quiet for a while, eye contact and conversation is so much more valuable. Sharing screen time and mummy/daddy time is a sure-fire way to keep your young ones on track as they grow up in the digital age.