What’s a simple system for helping children balance tech with other activities? 

Parenting Perspective 

A simple, visible system can help children understand and manage their own screen time limits, reducing the need for constant negotiations and arguments. 

The ‘Tech Ticket’ System 

Try giving your child a set number of ‘tech tickets’ each day or week, with each ticket representing a certain amount of screen time (e.g., 30 minutes). Once their tickets are used up, they can choose from a list of other activities. This makes the balance visible and predictable. 

Anchor Activities First 

Schedule the essential parts of the day, such as meals, homework, and outdoor time, as non-negotiable ‘anchors’ that come before any tech use. This builds the habit that screens are one part of the day, not the centre of it. 

Keep Choice in Their Hands 

Within the agreed structure, allow your child to decide how to spend their tickets or which non-screen activities they want to do. When they feel a sense of ownership, they are more likely to cooperate with the system and develop their own self-regulation skills. 

A clear system removes the emotion from the limits and empowers your child to manage their own time wisely. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, seeking balance is a part of ihsan (excellence). A believer is encouraged to manage their time and resources in a way that brings benefit to both their worldly life and their Hereafter. 

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 to avoid extremes in all our habits and to seek the balanced middle path, which is the healthiest and most blessed way to live. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 5199, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Your body has a right over you’ 

This teaches us that caring for our well-being, which includes giving our minds and bodies a variety of beneficial activities, is part of fulfilling the trust (amanah) that Allah has given us. 

By using a fair, consistent system and linking it to the Islamic principle of balance, you help your child see that screens can be enjoyed responsibly without taking over their life.