As families prepare for the festive season, the question of how much screen time is appropriate for children has emerged as a significant concern. With holiday routines becoming more relaxed and new devices often gifted, parents find themselves grappling with the balance between allowing technology use and managing their children’s screen time. Various organizations in Wales have suggested that families ease restrictions during Christmas, while the Children’s Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza, advocates for parents to model good behavior by turning off their own devices.
The complexities surrounding screen time were recently highlighted by psychotherapist and mother Lucy Theo, who cautioned against the prevailing notion that screens are inherently detrimental. In a report released by the communications regulator Ofcom, it was noted that children aged eight to fourteen spend an average of nearly three hours online each day, with a significant portion of that time occurring late at night. Theo argues that instead of simply criticizing screen use, it is essential to recognize the benefits screens can offer, particularly during the holiday season when children seek connection with their peers.
The festive period can amplify children’s desire for digital interaction, serving as a “vital lifeline” for those who may feel isolated from their friends and normal routines. This sentiment is echoed by parents like Lauren from Cardiff, who views screen time as a valuable tool for her six-year-old son, currently awaiting an autism assessment. “It helps him transition from active play to downtime,” she explains, adding that the predictability of familiar programs provides comfort. Lauren acknowledges that holiday pressures often lead to more lenient rules regarding screen time, particularly during dreary weather when outdoor activities may be limited.
For parents like Chelsey in Newport, managing screen time is about establishing a structured environment where devices are used intentionally. She employs a “timer and switch” strategy, allowing her four-year-old son, Jack, to have half an hour of screen time after his bath. Chelsey emphasizes the importance of outdoor play and plans to take her children to the park, ensuring that screens do not dominate the holiday experience. To help herself remain present during family gatherings, she has invested in a camera and tripod, enabling her to capture memories without the distraction of her phone.
Organizations such as Play Cymru advocate for a balanced approach to screen time during the holidays, encouraging families to relax rules temporarily to foster enjoyment and connection. The Welsh government has also issued guidelines suggesting tech-free zones and limits on screen use to promote healthy habits.
Katie, a mother from Swansea, initially resisted technology in her household, aiming for a strict “no-screens” policy. However, she quickly realized the impracticality of this approach, especially during the festive season. While she allows more flexible use of devices during Christmas, she maintains clear rules, such as no screens at the dinner table. Katie reflects on her own experiences with postnatal depression, noting that the brief breaks provided by screen time were crucial for her well-being, emphasizing that parents should not be judged for their choices.
In some cases, screen time is not merely a question of preference but a medical necessity. Suzanne and her husband Craig, from Sully in the Vale of Glamorgan, altered their family’s routines after their daughter, Amayah, was diagnosed with severe myopia at just three and a half years old. To prevent worsening her condition, they have removed close-up screens entirely and have increased outdoor activities, adhering to medical advice that recommends at least two hours of outdoor time daily. According to Suzanne, their approach has resulted in significant changes in Amayah’s behavior; she no longer requests devices.
The Children’s Commissioner for Wales, Rocio Cifuentes, emphasizes the importance of a sensible approach to screen time, urging parents to lead by example to ensure that technology does not detract from family interactions and physical activity during the holidays. Cifuentes conducted a survey earlier this year and found that more than half of children already have established rules regarding screen use. She advocates for a balanced view, acknowledging that for many children, screens are a means of maintaining friendships and social connections, especially during festive celebrations.
As families navigate the complexities of screen time this Christmas, it is clear that flexibility, understanding, and thoughtful engagement with technology can create a more positive experience for both parents and children. With a focus on balance and the well-being of children, the holiday season can be a time not just for relaxation but also for connection—both digitally and personally.
