New research on children’s screen use from Leeds University has sparked fresh conversations among parents, and with the summer holidays in full swing, it brings a timely opportunity to rethink how screens fit into family life.
To discover what’s capturing children’s attention right now and how parents can approach screen use positively, the JoJo Maman Bébé team spoke with specialist speech and behaviour therapist Jennifer Warwick for her expert advice.
These trends highlight a wider picture: children’s characters and shows continue to play a significant role in family life, shaping what parents are searching for and what children are watching.
With screen use naturally becoming a bigger part of many households during the school holidays, understanding how to create healthy habits has never felt more relevant. To help parents navigate this, the JoJo Maman Bebe team spoke with Specialist Speech and Behaviour Therapist Jennifer Warwick, who shared her advice on creating a balanced approach to screens this summer.
Jennifer Warwick says: “For many parents, screens can become an easy go-to during long days at home, particularly when juggling work, household responsibilities and childcare. As screen time naturally increases over the holidays, families may find it helpful to focus on creating a healthy balance, with plenty of opportunities for play, creativity, connection and quality time together alongside technology.”
Her advice for parents this summer:
1. Balance is often the goal, rather than removal: “For many families, screens are one part of a wider, balanced routine that also includes sleep, physical activity, face-to-face interaction and play. When used in this way, technology can sit comfortably alongside other parts of family life.”
2. Not all screen time is the same: “Screen time can look very different from one child to another. Watching videos for long periods is quite different from video-calling family, creating something digitally, or watching a film together. It can be helpful to consider not just how long screens are used, but how they are being used, and how it feels for your child.”
3. Shared devices can help guide early habits: “For younger children, shared family devices can naturally encourage more guided use, shared experiences and conversation, while also supporting children as they begin to build early digital habits. Using devices together can create opportunities for parents and caregivers to talk about what children are watching, playing or learning, helping to make screen time a more interactive and connected experience.”
4. Small, consistent routines can feel easier to sustain: “Simple approaches such as screen-free mealtimes, device-free time before bed, or no screens upstairs can often feel more manageable than bigger changes all at once. Many families also find it helpful to agree on these together where possible.”
5. Think about what you’d like more of, alongside screen time: “Rather than focusing solely on reducing screen time, it can be helpful to think about what you would like your child to be doing more of, and the opportunities available for this. Supporting independent play, family activities, outdoor play and shared games can all sit alongside screen use, rather than replace it.”
6. Screens often meet real needs for children: “Screens can offer relaxation, entertainment, predictability and social connection. Because many platforms are designed to hold attention, it can be helpful to gently think about what else might be available for rest, play and downtime during the day.”
7. Screens can support connection and inclusion: “When used thoughtfully, screens can offer opportunities for learning, creativity, relaxation and communication. For some children, including neurodivergent children, they can also open up access to interests, communities and ways of communicating that may be especially meaningful.”
8. Ongoing conversations can support growing independence: “As children grow, their relationship with screens naturally changes. Keeping conversations open about what they are doing online, how it feels, and how they stay safe can help them feel supported as they become more independent in their digital world.”
You can view Jennifer’s full Q&A here.
