Finding Balance for Kids Between Screen Time and Mental Health This Summer
Summer brings long days, fewer routines, and often—more screen time. While tablets, phones, and TVs can offer entertainment and connection, they can also take a toll on children's mental health. That’s why finding balance for kids between screen time and mental health this summer is essential for parents. Finding balance can help kids thrive emotionally, socially, and cognitively all summer long.
The Effects of Too Much Screen Time
When school is out, it's easy for screens to become the go-to source of fun. But too much screen time can lead to irritability, disrupted sleep, and decreased physical activity. Studies show excessive screen exposure—especially passive scrolling or long hours of gaming—can increase anxiety, attention problems, and even depressive symptoms in children. Screens can also interrupt vital real-world experiences like social interaction, outdoor play, and creative boredom. These moments are important for building resilience, imagination, and confidence.
Why Screen Time and Mental Health Matter
The relationship between screen time and mental health is more complex than just “too much is bad.” It’s also about how screens are used and *what* content is consumed. Educational videos and interactive games can promote learning and cognitive growth. FaceTiming with friends or family can enhance social skills and emotional connection.
But without limits, even good screen use can crowd out other healthy habits. Kids need movement, sunlight, human interaction, and sleep to feel balanced. When screens replace these essentials, mental health can suffer.
Finding Balance for Kids Between Screen Time and Mental Health This Summer
So, what does balance look like in the real world? It’s not about banning screens altogether. Instead, it’s about building structure into long summer days and offering appealing alternatives. Start by setting clear, consistent screen-time limits. For school-aged children, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests no more than one to two hours of recreational screen use per day. Use parental controls or set screen-free zones like bedrooms and dinner tables.
Next, create a summer schedule that includes both digital and non-digital activities. Mornings might start with outdoor play or a creative craft project. Afternoons can include screen time followed by physical activity or reading. Structure provides a sense of safety and predictability that supports emotional regulation.
Encourage Healthy Screen Use
Not all screen time is created equal. Help your child make mindful choices about how they use technology. Encourage apps or games that involve critical thinking, creativity, or collaboration with others. Join in when possible—playing a game together or watching a documentary can turn screen time into family bonding. Talk about how your child feels during and after screen use. Do certain apps make them feel anxious? Do some shows lead to overstimulation before bedtime? Teaching kids to reflect on their digital habits fosters emotional awareness and self-regulation.
Promote Offline Activities That Support Mental Health
Balance also means offering fun, engaging alternatives. Encourage outdoor play, family walks, board games, journaling, or starting a summer garden. Consider a family challenge—like a “no screens before noon” week—to make it feel like a shared adventure rather than a punishment.
If your child is feeling anxious or withdrawn, replacing screen time with calm, grounding activities like mindfulness exercises or yoga can also be helpful. Social activities like camps, group sports, or community volunteering offer valuable peer interaction that can lift mood and build confidence.
Be a Screen-Time Role Model
Kids model what they see. If adults are always on their phones, kids will follow suit. Try setting your own boundaries around screen use, especially during family time. Reading a book instead of scrolling through social media or putting away devices at dinner reinforces the value of presence and connection. Creating a tech-positive home culture—where screens are used intentionally and sparingly—builds healthy habits that benefit the whole family.
When to Seek Help
If you’re struggling finding balance for kids between screen time and mental health this summer, it may be time to seek professional guidance. Behavioral and emotional difficulties often have deeper roots than screen use alone. ADHD, anxiety, or learning challenges can influence how kids engage with technology and how they process the world around them.
Support and Solutions at Dallas Cognitive Wellness Center
If your child is having difficulty managing screen use or showing signs of emotional stress this summer, help is available. At Dallas Cognitive Wellness Center, we understand the unique struggles that come with ADHD, anxiety, and behavioral concerns. Our compassionate team provides comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations and therapy tailored to children and adolescents. We work with families to uncover the underlying challenges affecting focus, behavior, and emotional health. Whether your child is struggling socially, feeling overwhelmed, or becoming dependent on screens, we help you find real answers and practical strategies.
Serving families across Texas, Dallas Cognitive Wellness Center is committed to turning stress into success. Our goal is to empower you and your child to create a life that feels connected, calm, and focused—even during an unstructured summer. Ready to support your child’s mental health this summer? Reach out to Dallas Cognitive Wellness Center to learn more.