What to Do About Screen Time This Summer

June 19, 2026 - 01:07

As the school year ends, many parents brace for the familiar battle over tablets, phones, and video games. The lure of endless entertainment is strong, but experts warn that too much screen time can crowd out the activities kids need most: unstructured social play, physical movement, and creative exploration. This summer, the solution might not be a strict ban, but a carefully planned "play diet."

The concept is simple. Instead of focusing on what you are taking away, focus on what you are adding. A play diet prioritizes three key ingredients: physical play like running, jumping, or swimming; social play like board games or building forts with friends; and creative play like drawing, building with blocks, or making up stories. The goal is to make these activities so appealing that screens naturally become a smaller part of the day.

Start by setting clear, consistent boundaries. For example, no screens until after a certain hour, or only after an hour of outdoor time. Keep a list of engaging, low-prep activities ready to go. A cardboard box, a set of watercolors, or a simple scavenger hunt can spark hours of imagination. The most important step is to model the behavior yourself. Put your own phone away and join the fun. When kids see you engaged in the real world, they are far more likely to follow. A balanced summer is not about eliminating technology, but about making sure play wins the day.