As summer break begins and daily routines fade, many parents face the challenge of managing their children's screen time. Rashain Carriere-Williams, Executive Director of Boys Town Louisiana, recently shared advice on how to set healthy digital boundaries during the unstructured summer months. With more free time and fewer scheduled activities, kids often turn to screens for entertainment. While devices can be useful tools, Carriere-Williams emphasizes the importance of creating structure around their use.
She recommends limiting recreational screen time to one to two hours a day and suggests parents designate specific times—such as between meals or planned activities—for device use. Setting screen-free zones, like the dinner table, helps reinforce boundaries and encourages more family interaction. Carriere-Williams also notes that with more screen time comes greater exposure to potentially harmful content. While parental control apps can help, she encourages open conversations with children about what they’re watching and how they’re using their devices as the most effective way to build trust and stay informed.
Though apps like Instagram and Snapchat can help kids stay socially connected, they can also lead to negative experiences. To strike a healthier balance, Carriere-Williams recommends encouraging kids to explore offline activities like sports, outdoor play, or hobbies. Focusing on quality family time and reducing reliance on devices can help children enjoy a more enriching and balanced summer.
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