Fostering Healthy Screen Time Habits for Kids -

Screens are part of everyday life. For children with disabilities, they can be genuinely valuable — providing access to education, communication tools, and connection that might otherwise be out of reach. But like most things, the benefits depend on how screen time is managed.

Here’s a practical guide to understanding screen time for children, and how to find the right balance for your family.

Passive versus active screen time

Not all screen time is equal. Passive screen time — watching TV, videos, or simple content with no real interaction — has more limited benefit than active screen time, which involves engagement, problem-solving, and creativity.

Active screen time includes things like educational apps, video calls with family, and digital learning tools. For children with communication challenges, screens can be invaluable — augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices allow children to express themselves in ways that aren’t otherwise possible.

When screen time becomes a problem

Excessive screen time, particularly passive consumption, has been linked to impacts on concentration and focus, reduced physical activity, effects on mood and psychological wellbeing, and reduced development of social skills like reading body language.

Some signs that screen time may be getting out of balance:

Distress or strong reactions when screen time ends
Sneaking or lying about device use
Loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyed
Frequently asking for more screen time within minutes of finishing

These don’t automatically indicate a problem — context matters, and every child is different. But they’re worth paying attention to.

Strategies for a healthier balance

Finding the right balance isn’t about eliminating screens — it’s about making sure screen time works alongside everything else in a child’s day.

Set clear guidelines: Decide together how much time is appropriate and when. Consistency helps children know what to expect.
Mix in screen-free activities: Physical play, creative activities, and time outdoors all support development in ways screens can’t replicate.
Co-engage: Watching or playing alongside your child helps you understand what they’re seeing and creates natural opportunities for conversation and language development.
Encourage self-regulation: As children get older, involving them in setting their own screen time goals builds decision-making skills and reduces conflict.

The 60/40 guideline

A useful starting point for families is aiming for a 60/40 split: 60% active or educational screen time, 40% passive. This isn’t a hard rule, but it’s a practical way to keep the balance in check without treating all screens as equal.

Screens as a support tool

For children with disability, screens often do more than entertain — they enable. AAC devices and communication apps give non-speaking or minimally speaking children a voice. Learning platforms allow children to work at their own pace without the social pressure of a classroom. Video calls maintain relationships with people who matter.

When screen time is functioning as a support tool, the usual guidelines may need adapting. If you’re navigating this as part of your child’s NDIS plan, talking to your support coordinator or an occupational therapist can help clarify what’s appropriate for your child’s specific goals and support needs.

If you’d like to talk about how we support children and families through our NDIS services in Southern Adelaide, get in touch with the team at Heartfelt Support.