Helping Kids Build Healthy Screen Habits
Parent Resources Helping Kids Build Healthy Screen Habits A parent-friendly guide to using Parental Controls on iOS and Android to set and monitor screen time. Phones and tablets are a big part of school, friendships, and fun—but without boundaries, screen time can quietly crowd out sleep, homework, physical activity, and face-to-face connection. The good news: you don’t have to “fight the phone.” Both Apple (iOS) and Google (Android) include built-in parental controls that let you set screen time limits, schedule downtime, approve app downloads, and see how your child is spending time on their device. Below are simple, step-by-step instructions for iPhones/iPads and Android devices, plus a few tips to make the rules stick. Before You Start (for any device) Have a quick family conversation first. Explain that screen limits aren’t a punishment—they’re a tool to support sleep, school, and mental health. Decide on your boundaries. Examples: Weeknights vs. weekends No screens during homework No social media after a certain time Device-free meals and bedtime Set a parent-only passcode/PIN. This prevents kids from changing settings. Make sure your child has their own account. Apple: Child Apple ID (recommended) Google: Child Google account through Family Link (recommended) Parent Tip: If your child requests “one more minute,” you can allow it—but keep it occasional so limits stay meaningful. iPhone & iPad (iOS): Step-by-Step Using Screen Time Step 1: Turn on Screen Time Open Settings Tap Screen Time Tap Turn On Screen Time Tap This is My Child’s iPhone/iPad Step 2: Set a Screen Time Passcode (so settings can’t be changed) In Settings → Screen Time Tap Use Screen Time Passcode Create a 4-digit passcode (different from your child’s device passcode if possible) Step 3: Set Downtime (screen-free hours) Downtime limits most apps during certain hours (like bedtime). Settings → Screen Time → Downtime Toggle Downtime ON Choose Every Day or Customize Days Set a Start and End time Example: 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM Step 4: Set App Limits (daily time limits by category or app) Settings → Screen Time → App Limits Tap Add Limit Choose categories (Social, Games, Entertainment) or specific apps Tap Next Set a daily time limit (ex: 1 hour/day) Tap Add Step 5: Set Communication Limits (optional but helpful) Settings → Screen Time → Communication Limits Choose who your child can communicate with: During Screen Time During Downtime Step 6: Limit Content & Purchases (block mature content and prevent surprise charges) Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions Turn Content & Privacy Restrictions ON Set: iTunes & App Store Purchases → Don’t Allow / Require Password Allowed Apps (toggle off anything you want restricted) Content Restrictions (age-appropriate music, movies, websites) Step 7: Monitor Screen Time Reports Settings → Screen Time Review the report: Daily and weekly totals Most-used apps Number of pickups/notifications Download Printable Version Android Devices: Step-by-Step Using Google Family Link (recommended) Android settings can look different depending on the brand (Samsung, Google Pixel, Motorola, etc.). Google Family Link is the most consistent option across Android devices. Step 1: Install Family Link On the parent’s phone: Open the Google Play Store Search Google Family Link Install Family Link for parents On the child’s device: Install Family Link for children/teens (if prompted) or follow the setup instructions in the app Step 2: Create or Add Your Child’s Google Account Open Family Link (parent app) Tap Add child Follow prompts to: Create a child Google account or Add an existing account Connect the child device by following on-screen steps Step 3: Set Daily Screen Time Limits In Family Link, select your child Tap Controls Tap Daily limit Set the number of hours/minutes allowed per day Adjust for weekends if desired Step 4: Set a Bedtime Schedule (Downtime) Select your child in Family Link Tap Controls Tap Bedtime Set sleep hours (example: 9:00 PM–7:00 AM) Step 5: Set App Limits (time limits by app) Select your child Tap Controls Tap App limits Choose an app (YouTube, TikTok, games, etc.) Set a time limit or Block the app Step 6: Approve/Block Downloads and Purchases Select your child Tap Controls Tap Google Play Set approval requirements for: Apps & games Movies Books In-app purchases Step 7: Use “Lock Now” When You Need the Device Off This is great for homework time, dinner, or if a limit turns into an argument. Select your child in Family Link Tap Lock now Step 8: Monitor Activity Select your child View: Total screen time Most-used apps App activity trends Download Printable Version Quick Family Success Tips That make controls actually work. Start small. Big sudden limits often lead to pushback. Tighten gradually over 2–3 weeks. Tie screen time to routines. Example: “Homework first, then screens.” Create “tech-free zones.” Bedrooms at night, dinner table, and during family conversations. Model it. Kids notice when parents set limits for themselves too. Check in weekly. Ask: “What’s working? What’s not?” Then adjust limits together. If your family needs extra support building routines, staying motivated, or finding after-school activities that reduce screen time naturally, Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County is here to help. Explore Our Programs A Note for Parents: Parental controls are a tool—not a substitute for communication. The goal isn’t to control kids; it’s to help them learn self-control, balance, and healthy habits they’ll carry into adulthood. Helping Kids Build Healthy Screen Habits Parent Resources Helping Kids Build Healthy Screen Habits A parent-friendly… Read More January 19, 2026 Helping Children and Teens Navigate the Internet Safely Parent Resources Helping Children and Teens Navigate the Internet Safely… Read More January 19, 2026
Helping Children and Teens Navigate the Internet Safely
Parent Resources Helping Children and Teens Navigate the Internet Safely The internet is a powerful tool for learning, creativity, and connection. For children and teens, it supports schoolwork, exploration of interests, and communication with friends and family. As access to technology continues to grow, it is important to help young people understand how to use online spaces safely, responsibly, and respectfully. Internet safety is not about limiting curiosity—it is about providing guidance, building awareness, and encouraging open conversations so children feel supported as they navigate the digital world. Why Internet Safety Is Important Children often feel confident using technology, but they may not always recognize potential risks online. Age-appropriate guidance helps young people develop skills that support safe decision-making, healthy boundaries in digital spaces, and confidence in asking for help when something feels uncomfortable. Key Internet Safety Topics for Families to Know Protecting Personal InformationChildren should understand that certain information should not be shared online, including full name, home address, phone number, or school name; passwords or private account details; and photos or videos that reveal location or daily routines. Encouraging children to check with a trusted adult before sharing information online helps reinforce safe habits. Online CommunicationNot everyone online is known or familiar in real life. Children should be encouraged to communicate only with people they know and trust, be cautious if someone asks personal questions or requests secrecy, and tell a trusted adult if an interaction feels confusing or uncomfortable. Age-Appropriate ContentWhile much online content is educational and positive, children may occasionally come across material that is not intended for them. Talking in advance about what to do—such as closing the page and asking an adult for help—can help children feel prepared. Respectful Online BehaviorHow children interact online matters. Conversations about digital citizenship can include treating others with kindness and respect, understanding that words online can have real-world impact, and knowing how to block, mute, or report inappropriate behavior. Screen Time and BalanceTechnology works best when it is part of a balanced routine. Families may consider setting clear expectations around screen time, encouraging offline activities like reading, sports, and creative play, and modeling healthy technology habits at home. Phones and tablets are a big part of school, friendships, and fun—but without boundaries, screen time can quietly crowd out sleep, homework, physical activity, and face-to-face connection. The good news: you don’t have to “fight the phone.” Both Apple (iOS) and Google (Android) include built-in parental controls that let you set screen time limits, schedule downtime, approve app downloads, and see how your child is spending time on their device. Click here to read a parent-friendly guide to using Parental Controls on iOS and Android to set and monitor screen time; a step-by-step instructions for iPhones/iPads and Android devices, plus a few tips to make the rules stick. How Parents, Caretakers and Adults Can Support Safe Internet Use Parent, caretakers and adults can support children by keeping communication open, staying involved and informed about the platforms children use, setting shared expectations, and checking in regularly as children grow and technology evolves. Supporting Safe, Confident Digital Learning Helping children navigate the internet safely is a shared responsibility. With education, guidance, and ongoing conversations, young people can enjoy the benefits of technology while learning how to protect themselves and others online. How Parents, Caretakers and Adults Can Support Safe Internet Use Parent, caretakers and adults can support children by keeping communication open, staying involved and informed about the platforms children use, setting shared expectations, and checking in regularly as children grow and technology evolves. Supporting Safe, Confident Digital Learning Helping children navigate the internet safely is a shared responsibility. With education, guidance, and ongoing conversations, young people can enjoy the benefits of technology while learning how to protect themselves and others online. Parental Control Instructions Click the link above and follow our parent-friendly guide to using Parental Controls on iOS and Android to set and monitor screen time; a step-by-step instructions for iPhones/iPads and Android devices, plus a few tips to make the rules stick. Helping Kids Build Healthy Screen Habits Parent Resources Helping Kids Build Healthy Screen Habits A parent-friendly… Read More January 19, 2026 Helping Children and Teens Navigate the Internet Safely Parent Resources Helping Children and Teens Navigate the Internet Safely… Read More January 19, 2026
