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Healthy Screen Time Habits

Modified on: Mon, 10 Feb 2025 1:09 PM


Introduction

In today's digital world, screens are a big part of teenagers' lives, from schoolwork and social media to gaming and streaming. However, it's important for teens to develop healthy screen time habits to stay balanced and well. Too much screen time can lead to issues like eye strain, poor posture, and sleep problems. By setting limits, taking regular breaks, and finding time for offline activities like sports, hobbies, and face-to-face interactions, teens can enjoy their screen time without compromising their health.


Corpus Christi College uses the Common Sense framework from Common Sense Media (https://www.commonsensemedia.org/) to guide students in developing these healthy habits. While applying restrictions can help manage screen time, it's equally important for teenagers to learn how to use technology responsibly and effectively. This approach applies not only to College devices but also to personal devices such as phones and home computers.


Let's dive into some practical tips to help teenagers create a healthy relationship with their screens.



What can families talk about?

Navigating conversations with teenagers about their online activities can be delicate, but it's essential to approach these discussions thoughtfully. By fostering an environment of curiosity and empathy, you can create a space where they feel comfortable sharing their experiences. It's important to listen actively and validate their feelings, recognising that their digital world is as significant to them as the offline one. Choosing the right moments and settings for these conversations can also make a big difference, ensuring that they feel safe and respected. By avoiding judgemental language and respecting their timing, you can build a foundation for open and honest communication.


Create a Family Tech Plan to make Screen Time safe and positive experience

Creating a Family Tech Plan can help make screen time both safe and positive for everyone. Use these planners to inspire conversations about tech use as a family. Entertainment and technology have the potential to spark meaningful discussions, and tech planners are a great way for kids to have a shared understanding of how your family makes the most out of entertainment and tech time. By setting clear guidelines and expectations, families can ensure that screen time is balanced, enriching, and enjoyable for all members.


Years 1-3 - Ages 7-9
Digital Safety Basics

Challenges

  • Sharing personal information without thinking
  • Clicking on pop-ups or ads
  • Wanting to chat with online gaming friends
  • Password sharing with friends

Helpful Solutions

  • Create simple safety rules that are easy to remember
  • Practice identifying suspicious content together
  • Role-play responses to common online situations
  • Make privacy protection a regular conversation


Social & Gaming Boundaries

Challenges

  • "But everyone else is playing it!" arguments
  • Pressure to join friend groups in games
  • Upset over friend requests or chat limits
  • Getting too invested in gaming rewards

Helpful Solutions

  • Listen to their perspective without judgment
  • Explain your decisions about limits clearly
  • Help find age-appropriate alternatives
  • Create healthy gaming habits together


Screen Time & Learning Balance

Challenges

  • Difficulty transitioning away from screens
  • Screen time affecting sleep or homework
  • Less interest in non-screen activities
  • Using screens to avoid other challenges

Helpful Solutions

  • Set clear before/after school screen schedules
  • Use built-in screen time tools together
  • Plan engaging offline activities
  • Notice and praise balanced choices


Family Tech Plan here

More Information here




Years 4-6 - Ages 10-12

Start conversations during everyday moments:

  • Notice what they enjoy about favorite games or apps
  • Ask about online friends and experiences
  • Share your own challenges with digital balance
  • Talk about what they see in videos or games


Focus on:

  • How to be a good digital friend
  • What to do in tricky online situations
  • Why we have certain digital rules
  • Ways to use technology positively


Family Tech Plan here

More Information here




Years 7-10 - Ages 13-15

How to start the conversation:

  • Start with curiosity, not criticism. Instead of leading with concerns, ask questions that show interest, rather than judgment.
  • Be an active listener. Let them share without interrupting or immediately offering solutions—sometimes they just want to be heard.
  • Approach tricky topics indirectly. Use their favorite shows, creators, or trends as conversation starters to ease into heavier subjects like safety or social pressures.
  • Don't dismiss or minimize their feelings about online issues, even if they seem trivial to you. Instead, help validate them—their digital world feels just as real as their offline one.
  • Steer clear of judgmental language. Statements like "You're always on your phone!" can make them defensive and shut down conversations.

When and where to talk:

  • Pick low-pressure moments. Teens often open up during casual activities like car rides, dinnertime, or while gaming, scrolling, or watching their favorite show.
  • Create safe spaces. A walk, their room, or a neutral place where they feel relaxed can make conversations flow more naturally.
  • Respect their timing. If they're upset, give them space and revisit the conversation when they're calm and ready.


Family Tech Plan here

More Information here



Can I apply restrictions to the College devices?

While fostering healthy screen habits is the primary goal, it's important to remember that device restrictions can be applied as a last resort if needed. These restrictions can help ensure that teens adhere to the guidelines and maintain a balanced lifestyle. By using built-in parental controls and setting clear boundaries, families can support their teens in developing a positive relationship with technology.


College Owned devices can use local Screen Time for managing the use of the devices.

Parent Owned devices can use Family Sharing Screen Time for assisting with managing the device.

How to setup Screen Time for Parents


In 2025, Corpus Christi College has established clear guidelines for device usage across different year groups to ensure a balanced and secure digital experience for students:

Junior School 

Kindy - Year 4

  • Device: College-owned iPads
  • Usage: Stay onsite
  • Restrictions: Internet filters applied; no access to the App Store except for College-approved apps

Year 5-6

  • Device: Parent-owned iPads
  • Usage: Taken home
  • Management: Can be managed using Screen Time through Family Sharing
  • Restrictions: Internet filtering and App Store access at home are at parents' discretion

Year 7-8

  • Device: College-owned iPads
  • Usage: Taken home
  • Management: Can be managed with Screen Time on the iPad
  • Restrictions: Internet filtering in place both at home and onsite at the College

Year 9

  • Device: Parent-owned iPads
  • Usage: Taken home
  • Management: Can be managed using Screen Time through Family Sharing
  • Restrictions: Internet filtering and App Store access at home are at parents' discretion

Year 10-11

  • Device: College-owned iPads and MacBooks
  • Usage: Taken home
  • Management: Can be managed with Screen Time on the iPad
  • Restrictions: Internet filtering in place both at home and onsite at the College

Year 12

  • Device: Parent-owned iPads and MacBooks
  • Usage: Taken home
  • Management: Can be managed using Screen Time through Family Sharing
  • Restrictions: Internet filtering and App Store access at home are at parents' discretion


This structured approach ensures that students have a safe and productive digital environment tailored to their age and educational needs.


Can I have assistance with setting up devices used at the College?

Parents can contact the IT helpdesk to organise a time for both the parent and student to sit with one of our IT Support staff. During these sessions, they can discuss device restrictions and healthy use of technology at home. This personalised support ensures that families have the tools and knowledge needed to create a safe and balanced digital environment.

The IT Support staff can provide guidance on setting up parental controls, managing screen time, and implementing internet filters to protect students from inappropriate content. They can also offer tips on encouraging healthy digital habits, such as taking regular breaks, balancing screen time with offline activities. By working together, parents and the IT team can create a customised plan that meets the unique needs of each family, fostering a positive and productive relationship with technology.




 

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Please contact our ICT Helpdesk by emailing helpdesk@corpus.wa.edu.au or by calling us on (08) 6332 2574
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