Creating Healthy Screen Time Boundaries for Children: Free Parenting Class

This class is designed to help you understand and implement screen time boundaries for children using a compassionate, evidence-based approach. We’ll explore how to manage media use with clarity and confidence, using long-term strategies that support both development and family connection. Whether your child is just starting to use a tablet or smartphone, or they’re entering the world of social media, you’ll walk away with tools to create healthy, sustainable digital habits.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

✔ How much screen time is appropriate for kids at each age We’ll look at current recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics and Common Sense Media, including why the AAP discourages media use for children younger than 24 months—and how to navigate tech use during early childhood with balance.

✔ The difference between types of screen time Learn how to distinguish between passive screen time, like watching videos, and quality screen time, like interactive learning apps or video chats with loved ones. We’ll explore how screen time can be educational when it’s used intentionally.

✔ How digital media use affects child development We’ll talk about the impact of technology use on sleep, attention, behavior, and emotional regulation in children and teens. This includes how too much screen time—especially within 1 hour before bedtime—can interfere with rest, routines, and self-regulation.

✔ Creating a family media plan that works You’ll learn how to build a family media plan that includes household rules, clear expectations for screen use, and healthy alternatives for time away from screens. We’ll guide you through how to decide what media use is acceptable based on age and content, so you can set boundaries that reflect your family values.

✔ Screen time strategies for neurodiverse children We’ll discuss how to support children with autism, ADHD, and other learning or sensory needs, using structure, visuals, and reinforcement. For these children, media might serve a regulatory or calming purpose—and we’ll talk about how to align technology use with developmental goals.

✔ Tools to support healthy digital habits Learn how to reinforce good behavior with visual supports, such as token boards or behavior charts, and how to transition away from screens without meltdowns. You’ll also learn how to help your child take time away from devices and re-engage with the world around them.

✔ Social media use, cyberbullying, and online safety For tweens and teens, we’ll explore the challenges of using social media, from privacy concerns to the emotional toll of cyberbullying. You’ll get talking points for discussing digital safety and consent, including what to do if your child is exposed to sexting or inappropriate information online.

✔ How to support children through co-viewing and conversation Research shows that when parents watch with their children and interact and play with them, screen time becomes more enriching. You’ll learn how to create shared experiences around media, ask reflective questions, and stay connected as your child navigates the digital world.

✔ Monitoring and adjusting your child’s screen time We’ll walk through how to monitor your child’s screen time in ways that build trust and accountability—not secrecy or shame. This includes setting expectations around tablet and smartphone use, limiting screens in the child’s bedroom, and aligning tech time with family time and other daily routines.

✔ Flexible routines that grow with your child From children younger than 2 to older kids, we’ll help you build habits that adapt as your child matures. We’ll talk about how to make sure your child’s digital use reflects their needs, interests, and readiness—and how to keep communication open as their world expands.

✔ Teaching responsible tech use We’ll help you teach your child to use media thoughtfully and mindfully, so they’re equipped to make safe, healthy decisions online. You'll get tools to help children recognize quality content, engage critically with digital media, and manage their time online.