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As parents, we’ve all been there. The whining, the tantrums, the relentless begging for “just five more minutes” on the tablet or smartphone. Many of us rely on these devices to buy a little peace during busy moments, but that often comes with a hefty side of guilt.
Balancing screen time is a modern challenge, and while it’s understandable that parents feel they don’t have alternatives, the key is setting healthy boundaries. But how can we do that without the constant guilt?
An American study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics highlights some important statistics regarding children’s screen time. On average, children in the U.S. between the ages of 8 and 12 spend around 4 to 6 hours a day on screens, with teenagers spending up to 9 hours. The study suggests that children under the age of two should avoid screens altogether (with the exception of video calls) and that children aged two to five should be limited to just one hour per day of high-quality, educational programming. While these devices can offer educational content, excessive screen use is linked to issues like decreased attention spans, poor sleep quality, and behavioral problems.
Without limits, screens can easily dominate a child’s day. The blue light from screens affects their sleep cycles, excessive exposure can impair social development, and children may become reliant on these devices for entertainment, stifling creativity and physical play. When children know there’s a time limit, they learn to manage expectations and find value in other activities.
Before focusing on limits, it’s important to remember that screen time isn’t all negative. Educational apps and online resources give children access to a world of knowledge at their fingertips, sparking curiosity in ways that were unimaginable just a generation ago. From learning new languages to exploring scientific concepts through interactive games, there’s a lot of good that screens can offer. The key is balance—ensuring that screens complement, rather than replace, physical activity, social interaction, and imaginative play.
Let’s be clear: technology isn’t inherently bad. It’s how and what we use that makes the difference. Rather than completely banning devices, the goal should be to make smarter choices. There are plenty of educational alternatives that encourage learning, creativity, and problem-solving. Apps like Smart Tales provide a safe environment where children can engage in fun, educational activities designed to stimulate their minds.
With Smart Tales, you don’t have to feel guilty about screen time. Available on both the App Store and Google Play, this app teaches math, science, and reading through animated stories featuring engaging characters for younger kids, while older children enjoy interactive math and science games that cover the entire elementary school curriculum. Smart Tales turns digital time into an opportunity for learning, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.
And here’s the best part for parents: you stay in control. The app’s built-in Parent Area lets you set time limits, ensuring your child has a balanced tech experience. No more constant battles when it’s time to turn off the screen—many parents report that with Smart Tales, their kids transition off devices more smoothly than with other apps, especially those that autoplay content and keep kids hooked. By choosing Smart Tales, you’re giving your child a fun, safe, and enriching digital experience, while gaining peace of mind knowing that their screen time is spent wisely.
For more tips on choosing the right apps for your child, check out our blog post: 10 Reasons Why Smart Tales Is the Perfect App for Your Child
