Summer screen time rises for children, but experts urge focus on content value

As summer holidays commence, children's engagement with screens significantly increases. Boys now spend an average of nearly 55 minutes more on weekdays in front of screens compared to the school year, while girls spend approximately 45 minutes more. This trend, while notable, is not inherently problematic, according to specialists.

“

We tend to view screens as a threat, but the digital space can also become a place for learning, creativity, and self-expression for children.

Julija Markeliūnė, "Telia's" digital inclusion manager, suggests shifting focus from merely limiting screen time to evaluating the content consumed. She argues that two hours spent creating animation, programming, or acquiring new skills can be more beneficial than short, uncontrolled periods on social media. Markeliūnė emphasizes the importance of guiding children toward digital activities that foster creativity and critical thinking, enabling them to be creators rather than just consumers of content.

“

We often focus on limiting screen time, but it is important to pay attention to the content as well. Two hours spent creating animation, programming, or learning new skills can provide more benefit to a child than a short, uncontrolled time on social media.

Dr. Jurga Smiltė Jasiulionė, a psychologist at "Vaikų linija" (Children's Line), advises parents to establish clear device usage rules and maintain open communication with their children about their online experiences. She notes that simply prohibiting screen use is often ineffective. Instead, agreements, genuine interest in a child's online hobbies, and discussions about meaningful and safe online activities are more productive. When children understand the reasoning behind rules, they are more likely to develop healthy digital habits.

“

Children need to be helped to discover digital activities that develop creativity, critical thinking, and provide opportunities to create, not just consume content.

Specialists recommend encouraging children to choose more active and creativity-boosting digital activities during the summer. This includes using applications for drawing, music creation, learning programming basics, studying foreign languages, or engaging with educational games. These activities can serve as valuable alternatives to endless video watching or social media browsing, offering a more enriching use of screen time.

“

We often hear parents say that a child spends too much time in front of the screen, but we talk much less about what the child finds on that screen. It is important for children to feel heard and understood, so prohibitions alone are rarely effective.