Summer Screen Safety: Helping Kids Build Healthy Digital Habits

FGO Staff
Jun 30
3 min read

For many families, summer brings a welcome break from school routines. It also often brings something else: more screen time. Without homework, school schedules, and structured activities filling the day, children and teens may spend more time on phones, tablets, gaming systems, televisions, and social media platforms.

Technology can provide entertainment, connection, creativity, and learning opportunities. The goal isn't to eliminate screens. The goal is to help children develop healthy habits that support their well-being both online and offline. Here are some ways families can create a healthier digital summer.

Focus on Balance, Not Perfection

Many parents worry about exactly how much screen time their children should have. While limits can be helpful, healthy technology use is about more than counting minutes.

Ask yourself:

• Is my child getting enough sleep?

• Is my child physically active?

• Is my child spending time with friends and family?

• Is my child engaging in hobbies and interests?

• Is technology interfering with daily life?

If children are meeting their needs in these areas, families can focus less on perfection and more on balance.

Create Tech-Free Moments

One of the simplest ways to build healthy habits is by creating screen-free times throughout the day.

Consider making these moments device-free:

Family meals
Short car rides
Family activities
Reading time
Bedtime routines

These small breaks create opportunities for conversation, connection, and presence.

Keep Devices Out of Bedrooms at Night

Summer schedules can easily shift toward later bedtimes and more screen use. Unfortunately, screens and sleep don't always mix well.The light emitted from devices can make it harder for the brain to prepare for sleep. Notifications, messages, and endless scrolling can also delay bedtime.

Consider creating a family charging station in a common area of the home where devices can spend the night. Protecting sleep is one of the most important ways to support children's physical, emotional, and mental health.

Talk About What Kids Are Watching

Children benefit when adults show interest in their digital lives. Instead of asking: "What are you watching?" Try asking:

• What's your favorite part?

• Who created that video?

• How do you know if that information is true?

• What do you like about that creator?

• How does that make you feel?

These conversations help children develop critical thinking skills and encourage open communication.

Think Before You Share

Summer often means family vacations, camps, sporting events, and fun adventures worth remembering.

Before posting photos online, consider:

Does this reveal our current location?
Is personal information visible?
Does it show a school, camp, or identifying details?
Would I be comfortable with this remaining online in the future?

Waiting to post vacation photos until after returning home is one simple way to improve privacy and safety.

Review Apps and Privacy Settings Together

Children and teens may download new apps during the summer when they have additional free time.

Take a few minutes to:

• Review privacy settings

• Discuss friend requests

• Talk about direct messages

• Check location-sharing settings

• Learn how reporting and blocking tools work

These conversations help children build digital safety skills that will benefit them for years to come.

Teach Digital Kindness

Being online doesn't change the importance of treating others with respect. Summer can be a great time to reinforce:

Kindness
Empathy
Respect
Responsibility

Encourage children to think about how their words and actions affect others, both online and offline.

Make Time for Offline Fun

Screens should be one part of a child's summer—not the entire summer.

Encourage opportunities for:

Outdoor play
Reading
Creative activities
Music
Swimming
Family time
Exploring new experiences

Some of the most meaningful summer memories happen away from a screen.

Create a Family Screen Safety Check

Before handing over a device, ask:

Has my child had opportunities to move today?
Has my child connected with family or friends?
Is screen use age-appropriate?
Are privacy settings in place?
Is technology supporting a healthy balance?

These simple questions can help guide healthy decision-making throughout the summer.

The Bottom Line

Technology is a part of modern childhood, and it isn't going away. Rather than viewing screens as the enemy, families can focus on helping children develop healthy habits, strong critical thinking skills, safe online behaviors, and a balanced relationship with technology. This summer, aim for connection over perfection. Create opportunities for children to explore, learn, play, rest, and connect: both online and offline.