Family looking at a smartphone screen transforming into a healthy landscape

Is Your Screen Time Affecting Your Kids? How to Break the Cycle

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Lena Voss in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 5 min read.

"New research reveals the hidden factors behind children's screen time habits, and how parents can take control."


In today's digital world, it's no secret that screens are everywhere. From TVs and smartphones to tablets and computers, children are constantly exposed to technology. While these devices offer many benefits, excessive screen time has been linked to various health and social problems, including obesity, physical inactivity, and behavioral issues. So, how can parents strike a balance and ensure their children develop healthy screen time habits?

A recent study from Japan sheds light on the hidden factors that contribute to prolonged screen time in children. The research uncovers a significant connection between parental internet use, family lifestyle, and children's tech habits. By understanding these connections, parents can take proactive steps to break the cycle and create a healthier digital environment at home.

This article will explore the key findings of the study, offering practical advice and actionable strategies for parents who want to reduce their children's screen time and promote a more balanced lifestyle.

The Screen Time Connection: It Starts at Home

Family looking at a smartphone screen transforming into a healthy landscape

The study, conducted as part of the Super Shokuiku School Project, surveyed over 1,600 children aged 6 to 13 in Japan. Researchers examined the relationship between children's screen time, parental internet use, and various lifestyle factors. The results revealed some surprising connections:

Children in the study were considered to have prolonged screen time if they spent 3 or more hours a day on digital devices. The study found that nearly 40% of children spent two or more hours a day on screens, with 9.2% exceeding three hours. Children with prolonged screen time also had specific similarities with their parents' habits.

  • Parents' Internet Use Matters: The study found a strong association between parental internet use and children's screen time. Children whose parents spent two or more hours a day online were more likely to have prolonged screen time themselves. This suggests that children learn their habits from their parents.
  • No Rules, More Screens: When families lacked clear rules about screen time, children were more likely to spend excessive amounts of time on devices. Setting boundaries and guidelines is crucial for managing children's screen time.
  • Lifestyle Counts: Unhealthy parental habits, such as poor diet and lack of exercise, were also linked to increased screen time in children. Parents who prioritize a healthy lifestyle are more likely to pass those habits on to their children.
These findings highlight the importance of parental involvement in shaping children's screen time habits. It's not enough to simply tell children to put down their devices; parents need to model healthy behavior and create a supportive home environment.

Breaking the Cycle: Practical Steps for Parents

The good news is that parents can take proactive steps to break the cycle of excessive screen time and promote healthier habits in their children. Here are some practical strategies to consider:

<ul> <li><b>Lead by Example:</b> Reduce your own screen time and model healthy technology habits. Your children are watching you, and your actions speak louder than words.</li> <li><b>Set Clear Rules:</b> Establish clear guidelines for screen time in your home. This might include setting time limits, designating screen-free zones (such as the dinner table or bedrooms), and establishing a technology curfew.</li> <li><b>Make it a Family Affair:</b> Involve your children in creating the rules and guidelines. When they feel like they have a say, they're more likely to follow them.</li> <li><b>Promote Other Activities:</b> Encourage your children to participate in other activities, such as sports, hobbies, and outdoor play. The more engaging activities they have, the less likely they are to rely on screens for entertainment.</li> <li><b>Create Screen-Free Family Time:</b> Schedule regular screen-free family time, such as game nights, family walks, or reading together. This will help strengthen your family bond and create positive memories.</li> </ul>

By taking these steps, parents can create a healthier digital environment at home and help their children develop balanced screen time habits. It's not about eliminating technology altogether, but rather about using it in a way that supports health, well-being, and strong family connections.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.2188/jea.je20170100, Alternate LINK

Title: Parental Internet Use And Lifestyle Factors As Correlates Of Prolonged Screen Time Of Children In Japan: Results From The Super Shokuiku School Project

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Journal of Epidemiology

Publisher: Japan Epidemiological Association

Authors: Masaaki Yamada, Michikazu Sekine, Takashi Tatsuse

Published: 2018-10-05

Everything You Need To Know

1

How does parental internet usage relate to children's screen time, according to the Super Shokuiku School Project study?

The study, which was part of the Super Shokuiku School Project, indicated a strong correlation between parental internet usage and children's screen time. If parents spent two or more hours a day online, their children were more likely to have prolonged screen time as well. This suggests children often mirror their parents' habits.

2

What role do household rules play in children's screen time habits based on the research findings?

The research indicated that families lacking clear rules about screen time were more prone to children spending excessive amounts of time on devices. Without established boundaries and guidelines, it becomes challenging to manage and limit children's screen time effectively. Creating these rules is essential for fostering healthier digital habits.

3

How do unhealthy parental habits, like poor diet and lack of exercise, correlate with children's screen time, according to the study? What other relevant areas were not studied?

The study highlighted a connection between unhealthy parental habits, such as poor diet and lack of exercise, and increased screen time in children. When parents prioritize a healthy lifestyle, they are more likely to instill those habits in their children, naturally reducing the reliance on screens for entertainment or distraction. The research did not explicitly look into the socio-economic factors associated with poor diet, such as access to nutrition and education around healthy life choices.

4

In the context of the study, what is considered 'prolonged screen time' for children, and what percentage of children met this criterion?

Prolonged screen time, as defined in the study, refers to spending three or more hours a day on digital devices. Nearly 40% of children spent two or more hours a day on screens, with 9.2% exceeding three hours, fitting the definition of prolonged screen time. The study was focused on children aged 6-13 in Japan.

5

Did the research delve into the types of content children consumed and their potential impact on behavior or well-being? What further research could clarify the impact of different types of content consumption?

The study did not directly investigate the specific types of content children consumed or how that content might influence their behavior or well-being. Further research could explore the impact of different types of screen content (educational, social media, gaming) on children's cognitive and emotional development, as well as potential links to mental health issues like anxiety or depression. Understanding these nuances is critical for providing more tailored guidance to parents.

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