By Kristen Ferguson | Posted: Monday April 7, 2025
With the term break just around the corner, many of our tamariki will be spending more time at home — and for many, that means more time on devices.
Whether they’re gaming, watching YouTube, or chatting with friends, it’s important that our children are kept safe while online.
Excessive screen time and unsupervised use of social media can expose children to potential dangers such as cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, or strains on their physical and mental health. Too much screen time has been linked to poor sleep, decreased physical activity, and increased feelings of anxiety or isolation.
Here are some simple ways you can support safe and healthy device use during the holidays:
Set Screen Time Limits ⏳
Keep a healthy balance between screen time and offline activities like outdoor play, creative projects, or board games. Use timers or create a simple schedule to help manage this.
Know What They're Doing Online