How can I teach my child to recognise when they have had enough screen time? 

Parenting Perspective 

The ultimate goal of screen time limits is to help children develop their own internal sense of balance. By guiding them to notice their own cues, you can empower them to become self-aware and self-regulating. 

Help Them Notice Their Own Signals 

Guide your child to identify how their body and mind feel after extended screen use. You can ask gentle questions like, ‘How do your eyes feel right now?’ or ‘Do you notice if you feel more restless than when you started?’ This helps them to connect their physical and emotional state with their screen habits. 

Use Reflection Rather Than Just Rules 

After a period of screen use, spend a few moments talking with them. Avoid lecturing; instead, ask curious questions like, ‘Which part of your day gave you the most energy today?’ This encourages reflective thinking and helps them to evaluate their own well-being. 

Gradually Shift Responsibility 

Begin by setting a timer together, and then gradually move towards letting them manage their own time. When you see them making a good choice, such as stopping on their own, be sure to praise them. This reinforces the idea that recognising ‘enough’ is a sign of maturity. 

By moving from enforcement to awareness, you empower your child to make healthier choices and carry those skills into adulthood. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam encourages mindfulness, moderation, and self-awareness in every aspect of life. Guiding children to be conscious of how they spend their time is a core part of an Islamic upbringing. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Furqan (25), Verse 67: 

‘And [they are] those who, when they spend, do so not excessively or sparingly but are ever, between that, [justly] moderate…’ 

This reminds us that the middle path, which avoids both overindulgence and complete denial, is the key to balance and well-being. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 2417, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The feet of the son of Adam shall not move from before his Lord on the Day of Judgement until he is asked about five things: about his life and what he did with it, about his youth and what he consumed it in’ 

This teaches us that being conscious of how we use our time is a great responsibility for which we will be held accountable. 

When you teach your child to recognise their own limits, you are nurturing the Islamic value of self-awareness and guiding them to make choices that protect both their worldly health and their spiritual accountability.