Parenting in the Digital Age can understandably inspire conflicts between co-parents concerning screen time. Smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles and streaming services are now central to many children’s daily routines. Without clear expectations, inconsistent rules between households can lead to confusion, conflict and even resentment.
If you co-parent with your ex and screen time is potentially a topic of future conflict or already is one, know that there are things you can do to minimize this tension. For example, addressing screen time guidelines in your parenting plan can serve as a practical step toward creating consistency and minimizing stress for everyone in your family.
Setting reasonable, shared guidelines
A parenting plan is meant to establish clear expectations for both households, and screen time rules can be part of that framework. While it may not be necessary—or realistic—to micromanage every detail, addressing general expectations can help promote a shared understanding and create structure for your child. For example, the plan can set limits on recreational screen use, outline appropriate content guidelines and/or require that devices be turned off during homework or mealtimes.
You and your co-parent can also choose to outline age-appropriate rules. Younger children may need strict time limits and content restrictions, while teens may require more flexible guidelines that focus on balancing online and offline activities. Agreeing on boundaries around device use before bedtime or rules for using social media can help ensure that both parents are reinforcing healthy habits, for example.
Making this effort can ultimately promote consistency and minimize tension. When children are compelled to navigate drastically different rules in each household, it can lead to confusion and challenges with enforcement. If both parents follow the same general approach, it can reduce the likelihood of conflict and give the child a clearer understanding of expectations.
