Parenting Perspective 

Discuss the Importance of Balance 

Encouraging healthy screen time limits for your child requires clear guidelines, consistency, and understanding. You can start by discussing with your child why it is important to limit their screen time. Explain that while screens can be fun and educational, too much time spent in front of them can affect their health, relationships, and other responsibilities. You might say, ‘It is important to have balance. You can enjoy screen time, but it is also important to spend time playing outside, reading, or being with family.’ 

Set Clear and Consistent Limits 

Set clear and consistent limits on screen time, such as restricting the amount of time spent on devices each day or limiting screen use to specific times, like after homework or chores are completed. Be sure to explain these rules in a calm and reasonable manner. For example, ‘You can have an hour of screen time after you finish your homework, but we will turn off all devices at dinner time so we can talk as a family.’ Setting clear expectations helps your child to understand the boundaries and encourages them to stick to them. 

Model Healthy Screen Habits 

It is also essential to model healthy screen habits. Show your child that you also limit your screen time and engage in other activities, such as reading, exercising, or spending time together as a family. When children see their parents leading by example, they are more likely to follow suit. Praise your child when they stick to the screen time rules. Positive reinforcement encourages them to make healthier choices and helps them to develop self-control. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, balance and moderation are highly emphasised. Allah Almighty reminds us in the noble Quran at Surah Al Aa’raaf (7), Verse 31: 

‘O children of Adam, take (appropriate) measures to beautify yourself (before you appear) at any place of worship (for Prayer); and eat and drink and do not be extravagant (wasteful), as indeed, He (Allah Almighty) does not like extravagance.’ 

This verse teaches us the importance of moderation in all aspects of life, including our screen time. 

The holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also emphasised the importance of balance in life. It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 3587, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The best of you are those who are the best to their families.’ 

This Hadith reminds us that our time should be spent wisely, balancing our responsibilities, our relationships, and our recreational activities. By guiding your child to establish healthy screen time habits, you are helping them to align with the Islamic values of balance, self-control, and mindfulness.