Focus on quality over quantity of screen use, make a family media plan, keep open conversations about social media, teach decision-making to handle peer pressure, and watch sleep, mood, schoolwork as your early-warning dashboard. See checklists and scripts below.
1) The big three
Screen time: why “how” beats “how much”
Modern guidance emphasises what kids do on screens, who they’re with, and what it replaces (sleep, physical activity, family time) over a single minute-limit. Use a family media plan to balance screens with sleep, movement and schoolwork.
Social media: connection + risk
Social platforms offer belonging and creativity, but also expose kids to privacy risks, bullying, sexual exploitation and scams. Teach safety skills, use supervision tools, and keep communication open.
Peer pressure: the everyday test
Peers can lift kids up—or push risky choices. Prepare children with scripts, role-plays, and clear family values so they can say no (or choose better) under pressure.
2) Build a healthy tech routine (by age)
Under 5s: Prioritise play, sleep, and movement. Avoid screens for infants (except video chat). For toddlers/preschoolers, co-view high-quality content and keep sessions short; protect naps and bedtime.
Primary (6–12): Set predictable device windows, co-use where possible, and tie access to homework, sleep (8–12 hrs), activity and chores. Introduce the media plan and basic privacy rules.
Teens (13–18): Agree on where/when (no phones overnight, devices parked during study), what (age-appropriate apps), and how (kindness rules, private profiles, reporting). Revisit monthly—teens change fast.
SA note: Know your local context. The Film and Publication Board (FPB) regulates harmful online content and classification; use their alerts/resources to guide family rules.
3) Social media: readiness, rules & resilience <a id="social-media"></a>
Readiness check
Can your child follow house rules without reminders?
Do they understand privacy, screenshots are forever, and report/block tools?
Are sleep, schoolwork and friendships steady offline?
Must-have safety habits
Private accounts; limit who can contact them; location off by default.
Follow/DM rules: only people you know in real life.
Three-gate test before posting: Is it true? Is it kind? Would I say it in person?
Family debriefs: “Show me one thing you liked/learned/blocked today.”
Stay current: Platforms add training and safety features; for instance, a recent teen safety course highlights bullying, sextortion and image-sharing risks—use these as prompts for family talks.
Global guidance: UNICEF’s online-safety resources offer practical tips for parents and caregivers on digital literacy and emerging tech.
4) Peer pressure: coach the skill, not just the rule <a id="peer-pressure"></a>
Teach a simple decision model (S.T.O.P.)
Step back (breathe; delay reply)
Test the choice (safe? kind? legal? aligned with our values?)
Offer an out (“My parents will check my phone” / “I’ve got training early”)
Plan next (exit, change topic, or ask an adult)
Practise micro-scripts
“I’m sitting this out—catch you after.”
“Not my thing. Let’s do X instead.”
“That breaks our team rules. I’m out.”
Build allies: Help your child identify one safe friend + one adult they can message or call if they feel pressured.
5) Your home playbook: plans, boundaries & repairs
Family Media Plan: Fill it out, print it, stick it up. Revisit each term or after big changes (new device, new school year).
Device parking & sleep: Phones charge outside bedrooms; blue-light off; lights-out routine.
Study focus: One screen at a time; timers (25/5), break for water/movement.
Privacy & POPIA mindset: Share minimally about children; ask schools/clubs about photo consent and storage practices. (FPB guidance supports protecting children’s images and data online.)
Repair after mistakes: Separate learning from punishment. Review what happened, reset settings, practise a better response, then restore earned privileges.
6) Red flags & when to get help
Sleep changes, persistent low mood, grades dropping, avoiding friends/activities
Secrecy around devices, new accounts, or online relationships
Requests for nudes, money/gifts, or threats (possible sextortion)
Ongoing bullying/harassment that doesn’t stop after blocking/reporting
Act fast: Document, report in-app, and notify school or authorities as needed. In SA, monitor FPB advisories and report illegal content. Consult your healthcare provider or a counsellor for mental-health concerns. fpb.org.za
7) Parent checklists & conversation scripts
Quick health & balance checklist
8–12 hrs sleep (age-appropriate)
60+ mins daily movement (younger kids: lots of active play)
Homework done without late-night screens
Meals and face-to-face time protected
Screens off 60 mins before bed
Media plan printed and visible
For under-5s, keep screens minimal, co-viewed, and never replace sleep or active play.
Social media setup checklist
Private profiles + limited DMs
Location services off
Reporting/blocking practised
Notifications trimmed
Shared log-in recovery saved
Monthly “app review” date set
Conversation starters (copy/paste)
“What’s one great thing and one tricky thing you saw online today?”
“If a friend asked you for a pic you don’t want to send, what could you say?”
“Show me a creator who adds something good to your feed.”
“If you saw someone being targeted, how could you help safely?”
8) Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a “right” number of screen-time minutes?
No universal number fits every family. Prioritise sleep, physical activity, learning, and in-person time; then set consistent limits using a family media plan.
What are good first steps if we’re starting from scratch?
Make a one-page media plan, set device-free bedrooms, and schedule a weekly 10-minute digital check-in with your child.
How do I know my child is ready for social media?
Look for rule-following, steady mood/sleep, privacy understanding, and willingness to share their apps with you. Start with private accounts and gradual freedoms.
Where can I find trusted online-safety guidance?
See UNICEF’s parent resources and local guidance from SA’s Film and Publication Board.