Jeff Temple, PhD, urges balanced screen use as families prepare for back-to-school routines

As children prepare to return to school, pediatricians have an opportunity to help families establish healthy routines around screen use without relying on strict restrictions that may create unnecessary conflict. According to Jeffrey Temple, PhD, professor and psychologist at UTHealth Houston, a gradual, structured approach is more likely to succeed than abruptly limiting technology use.

Temple said many parents approach screen use with an "all-or-none" mindset, an approach he cautioned against.

"When we often try to limit screen time and decide that you know screens are too much and kids are spending too much time on social media, we try to do an all-or-none thing, and that never works. It creates conflict, and it actually could backfire."

Instead, Temple recommended that families begin adjusting routines 1 to 2 weeks before the start of school. Gradually moving bedtimes earlier, returning wake times to school schedules, and creating consistent times for homework, outdoor play, and recreational screen use can help children adapt to the upcoming school year. Although these changes may initially be challenging, he emphasized that predictable routines benefit both children and adults.

Temple also encouraged clinicians to help parents distinguish between productive and recreational technology use. Rather than focusing exclusively on the amount of time children spend on devices, he suggested that families pay closer attention to what children are actually doing online.

"We should spend less time sort of policing them and what they're doing now, and are they on screens now? And more time getting to know what they're doing on the screens."

He noted that screens have become an essential part of daily life, including education and communication. Social media and other digital platforms can support learning, connection, and a sense of belonging when used appropriately. Temple pointed out that many adults also rely heavily on technology for work, illustrating that screen time alone is not an adequate measure of healthy technology use.

Evidence regarding screen use and child health continues to evolve. Temple explained that research consistently shows associations between heavy screen use and poorer sleep, reduced physical activity, increased anxiety and depression, and fewer face-to-face interactions. However, he emphasized that these findings do not establish cause and effect.

"The science is not complete in this area."

Temple added that the relationship may be bidirectional, as children experiencing anxiety or sleep difficulties may also spend more time using screens.

"It's probably a 2-way relationship. So it's hard to say that one thing causes the other. The science just isn't there yet."

He also emphasized that screen-related concerns differ across developmental stages. For younger children, excessive screen use may replace opportunities for conversation, imaginative play, and hands-on exploration, all of which support healthy brain development. Among adolescents, concerns shift toward cyberbullying, unrealistic social comparisons, and pressure to remain constantly connected through social media.

Despite these concerns, Temple cautioned against portraying technology as inherently harmful.

"Technology is not the enemy. It can help kids learn, stay connected, and even find support. The goal really is using technology, social media, and smartphones intentionally, rather than letting it use us."

For pediatricians counseling families during back-to-school visits, Temple's recommendations suggest emphasizing gradual routine changes, developmentally appropriate expectations, and conversations about healthy digital habits. Encouraging parents to understand how children use technology, rather than simply limiting access, may foster healthier long-term behaviors while reducing conflict during the transition back to school.