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Expert reveals simple screen-time swaps that can benefit the whole family
Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos recommends creating a family screen plan, modeling healthy habits, redirecting kids to offline activities and disconnecting during meals, bedtime and car rides to build better connections
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As screens compete for families’ attention, children’s development is paying the price, top federal health officials warn
Early and excessive screen time can trigger severe neurocognitive delays in young children, impacting attention spans, memory and language skills interim surgeon general and principal deputy assistant secretary of health
“Parents are now fighting for attention from the screens,” Haridopolos told Fox News Digital
DOCTORS SAY 8 FORGOTTEN HABITS COULD HELP FIGHT STRESS, OBESITY AND CHRONIC DISEASE
To help parents combat screen addiction, the U.S. Surgeon General’s Office has released a targeted framework known as “the 5 Ds.”
No. 1: Discuss
Don’t wait for a conflict to establish boundaries, experts recommend. Sit down as a family to outline clear, age-appropriate rules regarding when, where and how long screens can be used throughout the day
Setting explicit expectations ahead of time cuts down on daily arguments, experts say
High screen exposure in young children threatens early brain tissue development, leading to delays in attention, memory and speech, experts say.(iStock)
No. 2: Do (model the behavior)
Parents should model healthy screen habits themselves, Haridopolos said.
“If we’re constantly on our screens, then perhaps our children will be, too,” she said, encouraging adults to “be good role models and lead by example.”
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No. 3: Divert
Rather than defaulting to giving children a tablet when they’re bored, Haridopolos recommended steering them toward hands-on activities, such as doing arts and crafts or preparing a healthy meal together
4. Disconnect
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Breaks like summer and the holidays are critical windows for families to reset digital boundaries, the interim surgeon general suggested
Scrolling while eating can lead to higher caloric intake and increased consumption of ultraprocessed foods, the interim surgeon general warned.(iStock)
Haridopolos encouraged families to build regular screen-free periods into their daily routines, including during meals, car rides and before bedtime
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- Mealtimes: Keep family dinners focused on face-to-face conversation.
- In the car: Treat travel time as a chance to reconnect rather than defaulting to phones or seat-back screens.
- Before bed: Turn off blue-light devices at least an hour before sleep to avoid disrupting natural sleep cycles.
As part of the “Delay” step, the program recommended putting off children’s access to screens whenever possible. (iStock)
No. 5: Delay
As part of the “Delay” step, Haridopolos recommended putting off children’s access to screens whenever possible. One way to do that, she said, is by requiring phones and other mobile devices to be charged overnight in a shared household space — like the kitchen or living room — rather than in children’s bedrooms
“Those are some simple activities that you can do that will make huge changes in the future,” the interim surgeon general added
