Apps, and technology overall, are another tool for learning. Children get the most out of playing with apps if they are well chosen by you and if you play together. 

Screen time isn’t the enemy — mindless screen time is.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of doom scrolling — endlessly flicking through videos, posts, and content without really thinking. Before you know it, 10 minutes turns into an hour, and you’re left feeling drained instead of refreshed.

Instead, let’s shift the focus to purposeful screen time.

Ask: “Why am I allowing my child this device?”

Is it to:
✔️ Learn something new?
✔️ Connect with friends or family?
✔️ Be creative — drawing, building, making?
✔️ Relax with a show or game you’ve chosen on purpose?

That’s intentional use — and it feels very different.

Doom scrolling, on the other hand, is passive. It often:

• Eats up time without you noticing

• Affects mood and concentration

• Replaces healthier activities like sleep, movement, and real-life connection

A simple rule:
👉 Use your screen — don’t let it use you.

Try this:

• Set a time limit before your child starts

• Choose what they're going to do in advance

• Check in with your child to make sure they haven't accessed something you don't know about

• Put the device away when screen time is up

Technology is a powerful tool — especially for children and young people — but like any tool, it works best when used with purpose.

Let’s help build habits where screen time is active, limited, positive, and balanced, not endless and automatic.

🔐 Stay Safe Online - talk to your child about the following

• Keep personal information private
  Never share your full name, address, school, phone number, or passwords.

• Use strong passwords
  Make them hard to guess (mix of letters, numbers, symbols) and don’t share them with friends.

• Talk to a trusted adult
  If something feels strange, scary, or confusing in an app, tell a parent, teacher, or carer right away.

• Be careful who you chat with
  Not everyone online is who they say they are. Only talk to people you know in real life.

• Use privacy settings
  Keep accounts private and limit who can see your posts or contact you.

⏱️ Manage Screen Time

• Set a daily time limit
  Agree how long your child can use apps each day.

• Balance with other activities
  Make time for outdoor play, reading, hobbies, and family time.

• No screens before bed
  Avoid screens at least 1 hour before sleep to help the brain rest.

🧠 Be Smart Online

• Think before you click
  Don’t click unknown links or ads—they can be unsafe.

• Be kind and respectful
  Treat others online the same way you would in real life.

• Check what’s real
  Not everything online is true—ask an adult if you’re unsure.

👨‍👩‍👧 Work Together with Adults

• Use apps approved by parents/carers

• Keep devices in shared spaces (like the living room)

• Review apps and games regularly together

Please see below some of the apps we have used in school