Digital Well-being: Finding Balance in a Connected World (2025)

Digital devices offer incredible benefits, transforming how we connect, learn, and engage with the world. Instant communication, immediate access to information, and real-time video calls with loved ones across oceans are now everyday realities. However, this pervasive technology has also brought about some concerning behaviours in both adults and children.

 

You may have occasionally found yourself unable to escape the glow of a screen, scrolling through social media or texting friends and family. Beyond the posture issues many are developing from constantly looking down, for some, the device simply cannot be put down. While “Screen Addiction” is not yet officially recognized as a clinical disorder in the DSM-5, for many individuals and families, its impact on daily life is very real.

 

This becomes a significant concern for parents attempting to discourage device overuse in their own children. Parents should ideally adopt a “heal thyself first” approach. Children will rarely heed advice from a parent who spends all their own time with their face buried in a device. We have even heard stories from parents who find themselves unable to get out of bed in the morning until all social media pages have been accessed, followed by news sites. This highlights the pervasive nature of the issue.

Practical Advice for Parents: Cultivating Healthy Digital Habits

Achieving digital well-being for the entire family requires conscious effort and consistent boundaries. Here’s some updated advice for parents in 2025:

• Establish Daily Screen Time Limits: Parents and children alike should aim to limit time spent on recreational digital devices to no more than two hours per day. This guideline promotes engagement in other activities crucial for development and well-being.

 

• Minimal Device Access for Young Children: Children under two years of age should be given very limited, if any, access to digital devices. It must be understood that these devices are not digital babysitters; early, unstructured screen time can impede crucial developmental milestones.

 

• No Devices in Bedrooms: A child should never be permitted to take a digital device to their room where it can be used unsupervised. This rule is fundamental for preventing late-night use, exposure to inappropriate content, and ensuring adequate sleep.

 

• Enforce Device-Free Zones and Times: Parents should enforce a ban on digital devices at mealtimes. Additionally, all devices should be put away at least two hours before bedtime, as the blue light emitted from screens can significantly interfere with natural sleeping patterns. This practice is increasingly supported by sleep science research in 2025.

 

• Implement a Central Charging Point: Designating a central charging point in the home for all devices can prevent the “zombie family” experience, where everyone sits in the same room, yet is isolated with their face buried in a device. This encourages more real-world interaction.

 

• Model Good Digital Behaviour: Parents need to demonstrate good example when it comes to their own use of devices. Children observe and mimic adult behaviour, so mindful use by parents is critical for encouraging similar habits in children.

 

• Prioritize Activity and Outdoor Time: Most importantly, get active and get out. Leave the devices at home for a few hours and rediscover the art of being social and engaging in conversation. The necessity for a Digital Detox — time spent away from being constantly connected and in an online world, is essential for both parents and children’s mental health and development.

 

• • Research in 2025 indicates that periods of reduced technology access lead to children reading more, playing more, interacting with each other more, and communicating more effectively (Children’s Mental Health Institute, 2025). Such breaks can even help children better cope with stressful situations independently and reduce social anxiety. Currently, we are unable to identify any clear advantage to sitting in front of, or with, a device all day. If this changes, we will update you!

References

• Children’s Mental Health Institute. (2025). The impact of digital detox on child development and well-being. 
• How Blue Light Affects Kids’ Sleep

 

Partner with Children of the Digital Age for Enhanced Online Safety

At Children of the Digital Age, we’re deeply committed to supporting parents as they navigate the ever-evolving landscape of digital parenting. We understand that ensuring your child’s online safety and digital well-being is a top priority. 

 

For broader educational resources, engaging workshops, or personalized advice on managing screen time and addressing problematic gaming, don’t hesitate to contact Children of the Digital Age. We’re here to offer expert guidance, ensuring your children enjoy the digital world safely and responsibly. Your child’s digital well-being and online safety remain our utmost priority.

 

© 2025 Children of the Digital Age. All rights reserved. | Last Updated: July 2025