From screens to senses: How to help children build offline habits

As the use of social media proliferates and technology becomes a constant companion in the Digital Age, children are more adept than ever at accessing information, entertainment, and social connections with a few taps. As a result, traditional activities such as reading, writing, art, or crafts seem mundane to children.

In most cases, children are glued to the screen for long stretches. When the device is snatched, they display withdrawal symptoms such as agitation, irritability, and aggressive reactions. Some even mimic gaming slang or robotic speech, blurring lines between AI and real-life interaction.

One of the most harmful effects of excessive screen time is Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), which can lead to severe digital eye strain, headaches, blurred vision, and dry eyes from prolonged focus and infrequent blinking. In addition, poor posture causes neck, shoulder, and back pain. Mood and mental health issues, sleep disruption and alteration of sleep patterns due to constant exposure to blue light before bedtime are other issues.

While children cannot avoid screens entirely, they can be channelled into activities that nurture the body, mind, and character. Here are a few thoughtful strategies to reclaim their focus and guide them toward healthier, more engaging pursuits.

Set screen-time boundaries: Aim for a manageable daily limit of 1–2 hours. Conduct control checks and ensure they access only quality, age-appropriate content. Set aside device-free zones and times during the day, especially during meals and before bedtime, to encourage personal conversations and interactions among members of the household.

Prioritise exercise and outdoor activity: Encourage regular movement through exercise, such as jogging, walking, cycling, dancing, aerobics, or skating. Plan family picnics, activities and sports matches on weekends to model an active lifestyle.

Foster creativity and learning through offline pursuits: Coax your kids to read, draw, colour, and craft as enjoyable alternatives to screens. Enrol children in classes or workshops (arts, music, sports) that align with their interests. Whenever there are activities in malls/educational institutes, workshops for kids, or learning sessions, take your children. They’ll learn something new and stay productively engaged.

Develop a sense of responsibility with household chores: Encourage kids to help with everyday tasks, such as setting the table, washing the dishes, watering the garden, or organising their cupboard and study table racks. Contributing to household chores from a young age nurtures responsibility and strengthens a child’s sense of belonging in the family.

Participate in diverse activities: Encourage your kids to try swimming, painting, sports, music, or dance classes based on their interests. Early exposure to a variety of activities helps them discover their strengths and identify their talents. When they reach the right age, these hobbies can become meaningful stress-busters and platforms to hone their abilities.

Volunteering: Whenever volunteering opportunities arise, encourage older kids to join organisations such as NGOs or religious groups. Volunteering encourages a service-oriented mindset, builds empathy, and fosters growth in teamwork, management, and leadership. Diverse interactions with people from all walks of life broaden their understanding and perspectives on thinking.

Guide digital literacy: Guide children to cyber safety measures such as using strong passwords, keeping privacy settings active, and staying vigilant against scams and phishing. Promote responsible participation in digital spaces while safeguarding their security and well-being.

Inculcate morals and values: Expose children to virtue-based or moral education resources to help them navigate ethical choices and resist negative influences. With social media increasingly shaping behaviour — where they encounter foul language, violence, and harmful content — encourage them to read moral science books or attend moral education classes so they imbibe good values from a young age. When they face dilemmas in adolescence about whether to tread the right/wrong path or to resist peer pressure, these virtues will serve as a compass to guide their decisions.

Model balanced tech use as adults: Demonstrate healthy technology habits as a family, such as mindful use of devices for study or research. Strictly limit screen time during meals or sleep, and engage in meaningful offline activities, such as exercise or hobbies, to model healthy practices.

Children are growing up faster than ever because of the pace and reach of technology. Proactive parental awareness of what their kids have access to is essential. Although complete control isn’t possible, guiding them toward meaningful activities and moral education helps instil good values early. The aim is not to deny technology but to leverage its use toward positive development, cohesive communities, and a joyful, well-balanced life.