Summer break gives students a well-earned rest from academics, but it can also contribute to increased screen time, which is a common concern for parents. Striking the right balance between digital device use and offline activities is key. Here are a few ways to help teenagers unplug and stay engaged during summer break.
Have Clear Screen Time Rules
Establish healthy boundaries for screen use by having an open conversation with your child. Define what counts as screen time and agree on reasonable daily or weekly limits. Listen to your teen’s perspective—when they feel heard, they’re more likely to respect agreed-upon rules. Explain your reasoning, including the benefits of boredom and the potential negative impacts of excessive screen time. Strengthen your case with data: Over 70% of children in a recent survey reported feeling more peaceful without a smartphone.
Create Screen-Free Zones
As a parent, you need to set clear expectations around screen time. Designate certain areas and times as screen-free, such as bedrooms at night or the dining room during meals. Join your child for dinner without devices and suggest screen-free outings. Establish weekly family nights and set a healthy order for activities, encouraging summer reading before recreational screen time. These strategies help weave balanced tech use into daily life.
Add Chores to Their To-Do List
Completely restricting screens can backfire, creating a “forbidden fruit” effect and potentially straining relationships with your child. Rather than banning screens altogether, tie screen time to meaningful tasks. Assign chores to promote responsibility and accountability, letting your child earn downtime with their devices. Regular tasks reduce idle time and boredom, which can otherwise lead to binge scrolling and excessive screen time. When children stay busy, they know their help is valued and that they are contributing to the household.
Encourage Offline Time with Friends
Promoting regular in-person interactions with peers supports children’s social development and provides valuable opportunities for engagement beyond digital devices. Facilitate and help arrange indoor and outdoor activities, like sports, shopping, or group hobbies that encourage time spent with friends. Supporting these offline connections contributes to a well-rounded summer experience and enhances emotional well-being while reducing reliance on devices.
Model Healthy Habits
Children learn best by example, so parents must also model balanced screen use in daily life. Be intentional with your device habits—put phones away during meals, limit screen use during family time, and prioritize face-to-face conversations. Let your teenager see how you stay busy and engaged without screens. This will help them understand what a healthy relationship with technology can look like.
Maintaining a healthy balance between screen time and offline activities is essential for a refreshing and productive summer break. At Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, we are committed to helping students use their time purposefully. Through a wide selection of sports, clubs, and extracurricular opportunities, we encourage every student to stay active, connected, and engaged beyond classrooms and screens. We also offer camps throughout the summer break aimed at honing their skills.
