How Much Screen Time is Healthy?
When Should My Child Get a Phone?
One of the most common questions I hear from parents, sometimes more than once in the same week, is, “How much screen time should my child have?” This is closely followed by, “When should I get my child a phone?”
Every family is different, and many parents already have thoughtful approaches in place when it comes to technology. I’m not here to tell you what to do or claim to have all the answers. My aim is simply to share some insights I’ve found helpful from Daniel Sih, author of ‘Raising Tech-Healthy Humans’ (2022), along with my own reflections.
Daniel, a father and productivity coach, speaks with honesty and practicality about technology, parenting, and boundaries. I hope these ideas will help you pray and think through what’s right for your family.
The Pressure to Give Phones Early
In his book, Daniel notes that many Australian children now receive smartphones at a very young age. According to national statistics, he cites:
Around one in three children own a smartphone by age 12.
The average age of first ownership is just 7.7 years.
By 14, about 94% of teens have one.
He also points out something interesting. Some leaders of major tech companies like Apple, Google, and Snapchat delay giving devices to their own children, and when they do, they set strict limits. If the people who make this technology are cautious, that should make us pause.
You Have Permission to Decide
One of Daniel’s key messages is that parents have both the responsibility and the authority to decide when their child should get a phone and how much technology they can use. You don’t have to follow the crowd. You can set limits that reflect your values.
I’ve spoken with parents who have delayed or even taken back a phone from their child, not as a punishment, but to protect their child’s wellbeing and give them more time to simply be a kid. This can feel countercultural, but it is a valid and loving choice.
Daniel encourages parents to ask two questions: “Is my child ready?” and “Am
I ready?” Am I prepared to talk about online safety and the adult content
they could be exposed to? Are they mature enough to manage that responsibility?
Life-Giving Limits
In Raising Tech-Healthy Humans, Daniel explains that boundaries are not about restricting freedom. Instead, they create the conditions for health, safety, and flourishing. Just like speed limits protect drivers, digital limits protect children’s development.
The Australian Government’s screen time guidelines recommend:
0–2 years: No screen time at all.
2–5 years: Up to 1 hour per day.
5–17 years: Up to 2 hours per day (outside schoolwork).
Daniel acknowledges that in real life, many families exceed these limits not from a lack of care, but because technology is so accessible and life is busy. His advice is to aim for balance, be aware of the guidelines, and give yourself grace when it’s difficult.
Go Slowly
While there’s no fixed ‘right age’ for a first phone, Daniel’s general rule of thumb is to delay as long as possible. The later you start, the more time your child has to grow in maturity, resilience, and social skills before managing the complexities of the online world.
He also suggests considering a simpler device first, one that allows calls and texts but not internet access. Then, as your child grows, you can increase their access alongside ongoing conversations about safe and responsible use.
Be the Hero of Your Child’s Story
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says, “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
In the same way that parents are instructed to guide their children’s faith, learning, and character, parents have a responsibility to guide them into healthy tech habits. God has entrusted parents with the responsibility to teach and model what is good, true, and life-giving.
As Daniel reminds parents, you are the most influential person in your child’s life. Stand firm, take it slowly, and set boundaries that give life. In doing so, you’re not just making a decision about a device; you’re shaping the kind of adult your child will become.
We have copies of Raising Tech-Healthy Humans available in the office. Please feel free to chat with me or email me if you would like a copy.
Bethany Armstrong - Principal
