Summer vacation gives students a break from homework, early alarms, and packed schedules. But with fewer routines and more hours to fill, many families face a familiar challenge: helping children and teens manage screen time, from gaming to social media.
For many parents, limiting screen time is not as simple as replacing devices with camps, outings, and other offline activities, said Denise Geffke-Ramos, Director of Child and Family Services at NewBridge Services.
“Camps can be cost prohibitive, and not every family has access to structured activities all summer,” Geffke-Ramos said. “Some kids spend more time at home while their parents are working, which can lead to more time online and less time outdoors or socializing with friends.”
Research shows why helping children manage screen time is important. A 2025 Pew Research Center report titled “Teens, Social Media and Mental Health” found that many teens view social media as a way to connect with friends, while also recognizing its challenges. Nearly half of teens surveyed acknowledged they spend too much time on social media.
A separate 2025 study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that teens who spent four or more hours a day using screens were more likely to report symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as insufficient sleep and physical inactivity.
Setting boundaries around technology does not have to mean constant arguments. Geffke encourages parents to involve children in determining reasonable screen time limits rather than simply imposing rules.
“It’s always beneficial to include your kids in the conversation instead of making decisions for them, when appropriate,” Geffke-Ramos said. “Parents can ask their kids what they think is an acceptable amount of screen time, and see if they can reach a compromise.”
Parents also play an important role in modeling the habits they want their children to develop.
“This can look like parents also reducing their screen time, or having shared family time where everyone puts their phones away and they play a game, take a walk, share a meal, or watch a show together,” Geffke-Ramos said.
Changes in sleep patterns and behavior can signal that technology may be interfering with a child’s well-being.
“A good indicator first is lack of sleep leading to daytime sleepiness,” Geffke-Ramos said. “This may indicate kids are up on screens until very late at night.”
When addressing screen time challenges, Geffke-Ramos said families should look for ways to increase offline connections rather than focusing only on restrictions.
“The goal isn’t to cut kids off from their friends,” Geffke-Ramos said. “Encourage opportunities for them to spend time together in person whenever possible.” She also suggests parents coordinate with the families of their children’s friends around online time, so children don’t feel left out if their family sets different limits.
Families should also talk with children and teens about staying safe online, including protecting personal information, recognizing scams, and knowing what to do if they experience cyberbullying or other online threats. Read NewBridge’s internet safety tips.
NewBridge Services offers counseling and support for children, teens and families navigating mental health challenges, family conflicts and life’s everyday stresses. For more information, contact NewBridge at Services@NewBridge.org or (973) 316-9333.
###
