Screens are everywhere—in our hands, our homes, our classrooms, and even at the dinner table.
As an early years educator, homeschool parent, and advocate for emotional learning and mental health, I have seen firsthand the impact that screens can have on young minds.
I am also a firm believer in the power of family connections and the incredible influence of real-life interactions in shaping emotionally healthy and happy children.
So, let me ask you this: What if we could replace the glow of a screen with the warmth of our presence?
What if we could nurture our children’s minds not through apps and videos, but through genuine connections?
Aaliya masoodi
The Real-Life Scene: A Struggle for Attention
Picture this: A family of four, sitting together in their living room. The parents are on their phones, the older child is playing a game on a tablet, and the younger one is watching a cartoon on TV. They’re all in the same space, but emotionally, they are miles apart. The mother notices her youngest laughing at something on the screen and thinks, “I wish I knew what made him so happy.” But she stays silent, scrolling through her own feed, feeling like she’s lost her way in this digital world. This scene is all too familiar, isn’t it?
So many parents share similar stories—stories of feeling disconnected from their children, of losing out on precious moments because of the overwhelming presence of screens. And I say this not to criticize, but to empathize, because it’s easy to get caught up in the digital storm.
The Emotional Toll on Our Children
The impact of this screen-heavy lifestyle is evident. 1 in 5 children today faces mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Excessive screen time is often a culprit, making it difficult for kids to regulate their emotions and understand the world around them. When children turn to screens for comfort, they lose out on the ability to connect emotionally—with themselves and with others.
I remember talking to a mother whose 8-year-old daughter struggled with anxiety. “She used to come to me when she felt scared or overwhelmed,” the mother shared, “but now she just grabs the tablet and hides behind it.” This story is heartbreaking, yet it’s becoming increasingly common. Screens provide an easy escape, but they don’t offer the emotional safety and warmth that a parent’s hug or a heartfelt conversation can provide.
Replacing Screens with Connection
So, how do we change this narrative? How do we make screens a less important part of our lives and replace them with the connections that truly matter? It starts with us—parents, educators, and caregivers—making a conscious choice to prioritize real-life interactions over virtual ones.
Create Family Rituals that Connect
Imagine transforming a typical afternoon into a moment of deep family connection: The screens are put away, and the family heads outside for their daily walk. The father starts a game of “Who Can Spot the Most,” challenging everyone to find different types of flowers along the way. The older child shares how they felt anxious about their math test but felt relief once it was over. The younger one talks about being scared to try the monkey bars at recess but felt proud after finally doing it. They walk, share, and laugh together. It’s a simple ritual, but it builds emotional resilience and strengthens their bond—something no screen can ever replicate.
Lead by Example: Model Healthy Screen Habits
If we want our children to put down their devices, we must be willing to do the same. Start by setting boundaries for yourself. Put the phone away during family activities and show your children that they have your full attention. When they see you choosing them over the screen, they will learn to do the same.
Make Screen Time Interactive
If screens are a part of your child’s life, make that time meaningful. I once met a family who made it a habit to watch educational videos together and discuss them afterward. Instead of simply allowing their son to consume content, they used it as a tool for discussion, learning, and connection. “What did you think about the video?” “Did anything surprise you?” These are questions that spark conversation and turn passive screen time into an engaging family activity.
Encourage Offline Adventures
Encourage your children to engage in activities that involve their senses—painting, gardening, cooking, building forts, or even just playing outside. Let them experience the world through their hands, hearts, and imaginations. These are the experiences that nourish the soul and foster true emotional growth.
The Courage to Change
We must have the courage to take that step towards meaningful change. To consciously choose connection over convenience. To lead our children, not by dictating screen limits, but by inspiring them through our actions. Imagine the impact on a child’s mental health when they know that they can come to their parents to share their fears and joys, without competing for attention against a glowing screen.
I invite you to make this shift with me—not just for our children, but for ourselves. Let’s be brave enough to put down our phones, to look into our children’s eyes, and truly listen. Let’s replace endless scrolling with meaningful storytelling—sharing tales from our past, the lessons we’ve learned, and the dreams we hope to achieve. Let’s be the generation that raises emotionally healthy, resilient children who value real-life connections over virtual ones.
The silent struggle of screens versus mental health is one we can overcome, together. Let’s nurture our family bonds, and let’s show our children that they are worth more than any like, comment, or share. Because in the end, it’s the connections we nurture that truly matter, and it’s those connections that will lead our children towards a future filled with emotional strength, resilience, and joy.
