Young child using a tablet device while his father observes

Mother and young son smiling while looking at a tablet

Family time

Age 6-11

Research-Backed Do’s and Don’ts for Healthy Child Development and Media Use

The Do’s

Set rules — any rules — around media use and establish consistent family routines.
- Discuss the “why” of family rules.
Help build skills for independent self-regulation and self-calming without screens.
- Balance “high dopamine” media use with plenty of “low dopamine” activities — create a balanced “diet” of other activities like social time, down time, physical activity, and other family priorities.
Gradually increase media privileges as your child successfully demonstrates self-regulation and responsibility around media time and in other areas of life.
- Delay full smartphone access as long as possible
- Introduce “dumb” devices (e.g flip phones, or locked down “smart” phones) first for safety and communication.
- Match allowed content/platforms with your child’s readiness.
Build attention and focus skills:
- Keep background media/TV to a minimum (or eliminate).
- Engage in interactive print-based reading with your child – discuss and ask questions about the content.
- Encourage children to practice independent reading in print vs digital and in increasingly longer forms.
- Discourage multitasking, especially with screens.
Model awareness and healthy use of media — reduce your own digital distractions and prioritize undivided attention.
Watch for signs of problematic media use and scale back if they appear.
- Evaluate video game play and other media activities for possible effects on mental health.
Support social development with plenty of in-person interaction, with yourself and others.
Discuss family values and model values-based behavior offline and online.
Stay aware of the content your child is consuming and the experiences they are having online.
Build habits of reflection and awareness into daily interactions and joint media use to help your child develop critical thinking skills.

The Don’ts

Do not rely solely on software parental controls for safe media use or restrictions.
Don’t let screens degrade sleep quality and its impacts on health (cognitive, behavioral, social, physical, mental) – Keep screens out of bedrooms at night and during pre-bedtime routines
Discourage offloading cognitive and learning tasks to generative AI tools.
Avoid exposure to violent media and online spaces where strangers may have access to your child.
Avoid judgmental tone and attitude in conversations to get kids to talk about their online experiences with you – aim for curious and casual.

Source/for more information: The Children and Screens Guide for Child Development and Media Use: Middle Childhood Ages 6-11