School holidays often mean a challenging juggle between work, life and keeping the kids entertained. It can be all too easy to lean on devices to offer a convenient distraction. At first this might do the trick, but relying on screens too much can quickly lead to conflicts and tech tantrums as the holidays progress.
If you’re dreading the meltdowns that may come when asked to put down the device, you’re not alone. Triple P’s 2024 Parenting Pulse Survey revealed that social media use was identified as a common source of conflict within many families (85%). Screen time has also spiked dramatically in recent years.
The good news? With thoughtful planning and positive strategies, you can guide your family toward a more balanced and peaceful holiday period.
Start with a screen time plan
Setting clear expectations at the start of the holidays can help avoid daily tech battles. Instead of making decisions when tensions are high, try creating a screen time schedule together as a family when everyone is calm.
According to Australian guidelines, children and teenagers do best with no more than two hours of recreational screen time per day. Decide as a family when and where screens are acceptable and when they’re off-limits.
It can also be helpful to create screen-free zones and times, such as family mealtimes and before bedtime (when blue light can impact sleep) When everyone understands the boundaries upfront, things are likely to go more smoothly. When kids feel included in creating them, they’re far more likely to cooperate.
By creating predictability and variety in their day and framing conversations positively, you’ll be helping them focus on all the fun things you’ll do together over the holidays, rather than what’s being taken away.
Make it a family affair
You are your child’s most powerful role model. The break from school offers a good opportunity to strengthen that influence. Kids look to their parents and carers for cues on how to navigate the world and screen time is no exception. Managing device use as a whole-family commitment creates a sense of teamwork rather than restriction.
When you set your own device boundaries, you’re showing your children that everyone benefits from balance. Taking a break from screens and choosing family time over scrolling shows kids that life beyond the screen is genuinely engaging and worthwhile.
This approach also builds a stronger connection with your children. When the whole family participates together, children are far more likely to embrace the changes positively.
Prioritise connections over screens
What’s the easiest way to reduce screen time? Give kids alternative activities that will keep them engaged.
Try exploring other activities your child enjoys, such as a trip to the local pool, a bike ride around the neighbourhood or setting up a backyard picnic. Getting moving can help boost everyone’s mood and energy levels. It also helps create those positive neural pathways in developing brains that excessive screen time can impact.
Creative pursuits offer wonderful opportunities for learning and connection. Art projects, building with blocks, cooking together or even simple board games all work well. Beyond connection, these activities also engage different parts of the brain that help develop critical thinking skills that passive screen time simply can’t match.
Keep communication open and honest
For many kids – especially during holidays when they’re not seeing friends regularly – screens may be their primary social lifeline. Cutting off this connection without acknowledging children’s feelings can lead to conflict.
Honest conversations about why you’re setting boundaries around screen time can help kids understand that it’s not about punishment – it’s about their wellbeing. This includes better sleep, physical health and mental development. Children are more likely to be onboard with changes when they feel heard and understand the reasoning behind the rules.
For children and young people worried about staying connected with friends, try problem-solving some solutions together. Perhaps they can schedule video calls at set times. Or arrange face-to-face catch-ups when possible. Showing that you understand their concerns goes a long way toward reducing resistance.
Small steps count
Be realistic about what’s achievable. The holiday season can be chaotic and you probably won’t always get things right. Some days will be better than others and that’s completely okay.
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress toward a healthier balance that works for your family. With patience, consistency and a positive approach, you can navigate these school holidays with fewer tech tantrums and more genuine connection.
Triple P’s free online support helps families across Australia to raise resilient, happy children. For more evidence-based screen time strategies, check it out on the website