Can too much screen time undo any good habits or ways of thinking that I am teaching?

Yes, excessive screen time can gradually and quietly undo many of the positive habits and thinking patterns that parents work hard to establish. While occasional screen use may offer entertainment or educational content, prolonged exposure can lead to a host of developmental challenges. It can significantly reduce the time children spend engaging in active, imaginative play, which is crucial for problem-solving, emotional regulation, and creativity. It can also displace physical activity, weakening both motor skills and the natural connection between body and brain.
Perhaps more concerning is the impact on attention span. Fast paced visual input conditions the brain to expect constant stimulation, making it harder for children to focus, wait patiently, or persist with a task. Sleep quality can also suffer due to blue light exposure and overstimulated nervous systems. Beyond this, screens often replace essential face-to-face conversations, which are vital for language development, empathy, and social awareness. Even the most educational app cannot match the cognitive and emotional richness of a parent reading a story, cooking together, or solving a puzzle side by side.
For parents who work hard to instil patience, resilience, gratitude, and curiosity, unrestricted screen time can feel like it is unravelling that effort. Children absorb not only what they watch but how they watch it. When screen use becomes a habit rather than an occasional tool, it can weaken a child’s ability to think independently, manage boredom, or process emotions in healthy ways. Creating balance does not require complete avoidance but thoughtful limits. By prioritising real-life interaction, rest, and unstructured play, you protect and nurture the very habits you are trying to build.