As parents and caregivers, we’re constantly bombarded with warnings about the dangers of technology and our kids excessive use of “screen time.” The assumption is that more time spent on devices automatically leads to negative outcomes for our kids. But is it really just about the number of hours they spend on screens? Rather than fixating solely on the amount of time youth spend online, we should shift our focus to “screen value”, a term introduced by Richard Culatta. (1) What should really matter is how our kids use that time and the impact it has on their growth, development, and well-being
“Screen time” has become a catch-all phrase with negative connotations. It suggests that every moment spent in front of a screen is inherently harmful or unproductive – which it is not the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth! This mindset often leads to strict rules around time limits, creating frustration for both parents and kids. While limiting excessive use is important, this singular focus can overlook the positive, meaningful, and even educational experiences young people can have with their use of technology. (2)
For example:
- Educational tools like apps and websites for homework, research, or creative projects can help youth learn new skills.
- Social connection through social media, messaging, or gaming can provide an outlet for teens to maintain friendships and a sense of community.
- Creative outlets like digital art, coding, podcasting, designing a website, or content creation platforms give youth an opportunity to express themselves in ways that weren’t possible for previous generations.
By focusing purely on screen time, we miss the opportunity to guide our children towards valuable, constructive activities online. (3)(4)
“Screen value” reframes the conversation from quantity to quality. Instead of asking, “How many hours are you spending online?” we should be asking, “What are you doing with your time online?”
This paradigm shift helps us distinguish between passive consumption, like endless scrolling or binge-watching, and active engagement such as learning new skills, connecting with friends, or developing hobbies like creating their own podcast, website, or learning how to code.
The idea is to encourage youth to find balance, ensuring that their time online contributes positively to their emotional, psychological, physical and social growth, when it comes to relationships, and personal interests.
Why the paradigm shift to the term “screen value” matters:
- By talking about “screen value,” we can help our kids understand that it’s not just about filling time but about using technology as a tool for learning, connection, and creativity.
- Shifting from time-based limits to value-based discussions can reduce arguments over device usage. Instead of saying, “You’ve been on your phone for three hours,” you can ask, “What have you been up to online?” This approach opens up communication and gives kids an opportunity to reflect on how they are using their time.
- Technology isn’t going anywhere, it has become ubiquitous, and it’s a fundamental part of our children’s lives. Trying to enforce rigid screen time rules can feel out of touch with how young people use devices today. The “screen value” mindset acknowledges that technology has benefits and is here to stay, but that we need to guide our children in using it wisely.
- When parents start focusing on screen value, they can also use it as a teaching tool to help their kids develop digital literacy. They can encourage critical thinking about the content they consume and engage in discussions about online safety, privacy, and responsible digital citizenship.
- Instead of feeling like screen use is something they need to hide or defend, teens can be empowered to make better choices about what they do online. This can foster a sense of responsibility and autonomy, as they start to evaluate their own activities based on the value they derive from them.
Word matter! The onlife world is here to stay, and instead of fearing it, we should embrace it wisely. Moving from a “screen time” mindset to a “screen value” mindset allows parents to guide their children toward a more balanced, productive relationship with technology. It’s not about how much time youth spend online; it’s about making sure that the time they do spend is enriching, educational, and valuable.
As technology continues to be an integral part of daily life, especially for young people, it’s time for parents and caregivers to reframe how we view and manage digital engagement. The old approach of focusing solely on “screen time” has proven insufficient for addressing the complexities of how today’s youth interact with technology. Instead, the concept of “screen value” offers a more meaningful and balanced perspective, one that shifts the focus from merely counting hours to understanding how that time is being used and its impact on a child’s growth, development, and well-being.
Thanks to Richard Culatta, by embracing the term “screen value”, we can help our children navigate a world where technology is not just a distraction but also a tool for learning, creativity, and social connection. The internet and technology offers unprecedented opportunities for youth to develop new skills, express themselves, and engage with their peers, particularly in times when physical interaction may be limited. However, without guidance and digital literacy education, they may miss these opportunities and fall into passive consumption of content, which can lead to negative effects like isolation or superficial engagement. As parents and caregivers, it’s our responsibility to ensure they use technology in ways that enrich their lives rather than detract from their development – it all about “know” tech rather than “no” tech.
The paradigm shift from “screen time” to “screen value” encourages more open and productive conversations between parents, caregivers, and their children. Instead of constantly worrying about how long they’ve been on their devices, we can engage them in discussions about what they’re doing online. Asking questions like “What did you learn today?” or “What are you creating?” empowers our kids to think critically about their digital habits and helps them become more mindful of how they spend their time. This approach also reduces the friction that often accompanies rigid screen time limits, offering a more collaborative and reflective way to approach tech and internet usage.
The term “screen value” is important because it reframes technology as a tool that, when used properly, can support a child’s development in numerous ways. Whether it’s accessing educational content, learning new skills through apps, or building creative projects, the value of these activities far outweighs the simplistic idea of time limits. It’s about making sure that the time kids spend online is constructive, whether they’re collaborating with others on social media, learning to code, or simply maintaining friendships through virtual spaces. The reality is that technology is now ubiquitous, and rather than trying to restrict or control its presence in our children’s lives, we should focus on teaching them how to use it wisely.
By shifting to a “screen value” mindset, parents and caregivers can also play a key role in helping their children develop essential digital literacy skills. This involves not only understanding how to use technology but also being critical of the content they consume, aware of online privacy and safety issues, and thoughtful about their role as digital citizens. These are vital life skills that will only grow in importance as technology continues to evolve. Rather than treating screen use as something to be hidden or regulated, children should feel empowered to make responsible, intentional choices about their online behavior.
Ultimately, adopting a “screen value” approach helps kids see technology not as something to fear or misuse, but as a tool that can enhance their personal and intellectual development. It fosters a sense of autonomy and responsibility, encouraging them to take ownership of their digital lives and reflect on how their time online serves their broader goals. By guiding them toward this kind of active engagement, we prepare them not only to navigate the current digital landscape but to thrive in the future, where technology will remain an ever-present reality.
As parents and caregivers, when we start asking the right questions, focusing on the quality of time spent online rather than just the quantity, we can help our kids find balance and purpose in their onlife world. In doing so, we equip them with the skills and mindset they need to engage with technology in a way that contributes positively to their well-being, development, and future success. This shift isn’t just necessary; it’s essential in a world where technology is here to stay, and learning how to harness its potential can unlock tremendous benefits for the next generation – just saying!
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
Facts Not Fear, Facts Not Emotion, Enlighten Not Frighten, Know Tech Not No Tech
References:
1/ https://ascd.org/people/richard-culatta
2/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/blog/teens-technology-its-not-all-doom-gloom/
4/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/blog/most-teens-using-tech-social-media-in-a-positive-way-case-in-point/