How to reset your child’s screen-time habits before school starts

As the summer holidays draw to a close, parents may be looking ahead to more than just packed school bags and earlier mornings, they may also be thinking about how to reset their children’s screen-time habits before the new school year begins.

With children set to return to the structure and routine of the classroom in September, the final weeks of the holidays offer parents a valuable opportunity to gradually reduce screen time and establish healthier habits before school starts.

“Returning to school after the summer holidays can be a big adjustment for children, particularly if they have become used to spending more time on their phones and devices,” said Hannah Couch, Head of Key Stage 3 at Walthamstow Hall.

“Using the final weeks of the holidays to introduce more balance between screen-based and offline activities can help children transition back into a structured routine, while making it easier to maintain healthier screen-time habits once school begins.”

For many parents, however, changing screen-time habits can be easier said than done. After weeks of relaxed routines, late nights and increased time online, suddenly cutting back can lead to resistance from children and teenagers.

With the new school year fast approaching, now could be the ideal time for families to start making small changes rather than waiting until September. From setting device-free periods and encouraging outdoor activities to introducing screen-free family time, there are plenty of simple ways to help children develop a healthier relationship with their devices.

To help parents prepare for the return to school, Hannah Couch has shared 20 engaging, low-cost and screen-free activities that can help children gradually reduce their reliance on devices and rediscover ways to have fun offline before September.

Get outside and moving

With the warm weather here, getting outdoors is one of the easiest ways to lift mood and energy levels.

1. Plan a family day out to the beach – complete with ice cream and a paddle in the sea
2. Go for a walk and catalogue the wildlife you can spot
3. Build your own crazy golf course in the garden
4. Feeling inspired by Wimbledon or the World Cup? Try a new sport or join a local sports club
5. Go on a bike ride with friends
6. Host a garden Olympics – Set up obstacle courses, race your siblings, and even improvise a shotput event with water ballons

Get messy, get creative

Creative activities offer a mindful break from screens while encouraging self-expression.

7. Start a summer scrapbook or journal
8. Try out a new recipe
9. Upcycle some of your old clothes
10. Find a box of old family photos and make an album
11. Try your hand at knitting or crocheting
12. Hire a musical instrument and start learning how to play
13. Take up photography and take pictures of your summer adventures
14. Press flowers and use them to create a handmade birthday card

Put the phone down and pick up a book

Diving into a good book offers many benefits, from reducing stress, improving vocabulary and sparking imagination.

15. Sign up for a summer reading challenge at your local library
16. Start your own book club with friends

Spend quality time with family and friends

The summer holidays provide a rare opportunity to slow down and reconnect.

17. Research your family tree together
18. Have a games night. Get competitive with card games, board games, or even host your own quiz night.
19. Camp out in the garden with friends
20. Make friendship bracelets

Hannah Couch from Walthamstow Hall added: “with UK teenagers spending an average of three to six hours a day on their phones and often even more at weekends, it’s time to reassess the role devices, such as mobile phones, play in our children’s lives.”

“Increased screen time can impact concentration, disrupt sleep, and heighten social comparison.”

The school says digital literacy is vital and technology is important in education, but Hannah Couch adds, “Creating a healthier balance between screen use and offline activities is also essential, particularly during the summer holidays, when the structure of the school day is no longer in place.”

Small changes, such as swapping screen time for engaging outdoor activities, can make a significant difference over the summer. Overall, helping children return to school feeling refreshed and equipped with healthier habits that last throughout the year.

Photo by Helena Lopes: https://www.pexels.com/photo/children-on-sofa-27177568/