How can I teach my child to control their screen use during study time? 

Parenting Perspective 

Creating a Focused Environment 

To help your child build discipline around screens, especially during study time, create a dedicated environment that encourages focus and calm. This could be a quiet desk with no devices in sight, or a small ‘study zone’ with calming cues like a plant or a handwritten Dua. Use a study timer or printable schedule to visually break down time into blocks for focused work, breaks, and reward activities. These tools help your child see time as something to manage rather than feel overwhelmed by. 

A Collaborative Approach and Modelling 

Invite your child into the decision-making process. Ask, ‘What should our rule be for phones during homework?’ or ‘How can we keep our minds focused while we revise?’ This collaborative approach makes them feel respected and invested in the rules. You can also designate a small ‘tech basket’ where devices stay during study hours. Most importantly, model the same habits. When your child sees you putting your phone aside for family conversations or Salah, they learn that screens are tools, not masters. In this way, you teach not only digital boundaries, but also the virtue of presence. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam encourages mindfulness and discipline across all aspects of life, including how we manage distractions and engage in purposeful work. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Luqman (31), Verses 18–19: 

“And do not turn your cheek from people (in pride and contempt), and do not walk on the Earth in self-glory; indeed, Allah (Almighty) does not love those (people who believe in) self-aggrandizement and boasting. And be modest in your attitude and lower your voice (in dealing with people); as indeed, the harshest of all sounds, is the noise of the donkeys.” 

Though this verse touches on behaviour and presence in social conduct, the broader lesson is about awareness and humility, qualities that are easily lost in the pull of screens. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 2519, that holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: 

“Whoever humbles himself for the sake of Allah, Allah will raise him. “

Learning to turn away from distractions, especially during moments of responsibility, reflects humility and self-respect. By helping your child control screen use during study time, you are nurturing this humility, teaching them that true success requires presence of heart and mind. 

Remind your child that study itself can be an act of worship when done with good intention. Encourage them to begin with Bismillah, focus with calm, and take breaks with Alhamdulillah. This sacred rhythm transforms academic work into a spiritual effort, rooted in self-discipline and the desire to grow in both knowledge and character.