This article provides eight tips for families to reduce screen time during the holidays and foster more meaningful interactions.
are a time to come together and make memories, but too often, phones take over and steal the moments that matter most.found that nearly 40% of people use devices during family time, and over 15% use them at dinner—a habit linked to worse communication and lower well-being. To help families stay in the present this holiday season, Bhargava shared her top eight tips for setting healthier boundaries for screen use.
Bhargava recommended kicking off the holidays by sitting down with your family to discuss the importance of spending time together without screens. Explain how being chronically online can lead to missing out on a funny story at dinner, joking with cousins, or some good advice from grandma. A simple conversation about why this matters can set the tone for the season, she said.Set clear expectations around when and where phones should be put away, such as during meals, family walks, or gift-opening. Agree on consequences ahead of time so there are no surprises.Younger children may need stricter boundaries, like handing over their devices during specific times. For teens and tweens, expect some negotiation. 'Making them part of the decision-making process helps prevent power struggles,' Bhargava explained.Children often mirror their parents’ behavior, so model good media habits yourself. Put your phone in another room during meals or family activities. 'Your actions speak louder than your words,' said Bhargava. 'If you’re scrolling, they’ll feel justified in doing the same,' she said.found that preteens who unplug for even a few days improve their ability to read emotional cues by over 30%. Keeping everyone engaged helps make screens less tempting. When relatives visit, make sure everyone is on the same page. Consider distributing a 'holiday media plan' for the group, outlining phone-free times or zones. Consistency reinforces expectations for kids and parents alike. 'It’s easier to enforce rules when the whole tribe is aligned,' Bhargava note
SCREEN TIME HOLIDAYS FAMILY WELL-BEING COMMUNICATION
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