Children aged 6–9 tend to be curious, energetic, and increasingly independent. They’re managing the transition from early childhood to middle childhood, which includes more structured learning environments, developing peer-focused social skills, and a growing sense of responsibility. This stage of development typically includes more exposure to lots of things, including digital media and screen time.
Technology can be a helpful tool for learning and socializing—but without proper boundaries, it can have negative impacts on their development. As with many things at this age, parents need to consider how to adapt the rules and responsibilities around technology to best meet the needs of kids as they go through their elementary school years.
Why screen time boundaries are important for 6 to 9-year-olds
Children aged 6-9 are undergoing significant physical, emotional, and cognitive growth. They need to be able to focus their attention on what is going on in the world around them, and with the people around them, in order to maximize their development during this stage. Excessive screen time can get in the way of this, as it keeps their focus on the screen as opposed to the human interactions and activities happening around them. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents limit the amount of time kids spend on screens, and focus on prioritizing other activities that don’t involve screens and digital media.
What the studies say
A healthy lifestyle is also crucial at this age. Kids aged 6 to 9 need to be physically active, eat well, and get enough sleep in order to support brain and body development. We know that kids who spend more than the recommended 2 hours per day on screens are at risk for a wide variety of health problems, including obesity and metabolic disorders, unhealthy diet patterns and eating disorders, sleep problems, dry eyes, headaches, and muscle aches. Many of these issues stem from the reduced physical activity that happens when kids are spending hours a day on screens. Kids at these ages need at least an hour of physical activity each day, and this should be prioritized before screen time.
Academic learning is also a key focus at these ages as some schools encourage screen time as a tool for learning in the classroom. This can have benefits and drawbacks, but parents need to be aware that their child has likely already had a significant amount of screen time during the school day before they return home in the afternoon. Excessive screen time leads kids to be more sedentary and experience more sleep problems, which has a negative impact on their ability to focus and learn in school. If we want kids to succeed in school, then we need to set limits on the amount of time they spend on screens, particularly smartphones.
Strategies for setting screen time boundaries for 6 to 9-year-olds
Creating and enforcing screen time limits for this age group requires a more collaborative approach than setting limits for younger children. At this stage, children are more independent and may resist restrictions. However, they’re also capable of understanding the reasoning behind boundaries. Here are some strategies to consider for kids in this age group:
Set clear rules and routines
Create a daily schedule that includes specific times for screen use but prioritizes other activities, such as outdoor play, reading, time with friends, and family time. For example:
- School days: Allow 30 minutes of screen time after time is spent on physical activity, homework, and chores.
- Weekends: Provide up to an hour of screen use in the morning or afternoon, with most of the time spent on creative activities, physical play, and family or friend time.
Consistency is key. When children know what to expect, they are less likely to argue about limits.
Use technology wisely
Encourage your child to use screens for educational purposes or creative projects, such as learning apps, research, or making digital art and music. Balance this with recreational use, such as watching shows or playing games. Focus on quality over quantity by prioritizing age-appropriate and positive content. Make sure you are aware of what they are watching and doing when they are using devices, and remember that social media is not an appropriate screen time activity for kids at this age.
Create screen-free zones and times
Establish areas in your home where screens are not allowed, such as at the kitchen table or in bedrooms. You should also implement screen-free times each day, such as during meals or an hour before bedtime. These practices promote healthy habits and ensure that your child is focused on activities that support their development.
Encourage a variety of activities
Help your child engage with activities that don’t involve screens. Outdoor play, board games, puzzles, music, and crafts are excellent options that foster creativity, social interaction, and problem-solving. Offering alternatives reduces reliance on screens for entertainment. Make a list of things they can do that don’t involve screens. Post it on the fridge for all those moments when they can’t seem to find anything to do besides ask for more screen time. Remember that it’s okay, and actually really important, for your child to be bored some of the time!
Model healthy screen habits
Children at this age are very observant, and they are watching the behavior of adults around them. How you act around and with devices will speak much louder than whatever you say to them. Show them that you are focused on balancing screen time with other activities to support your own health. You should be adhering to the same boundaries of no devices at the dinner table, prioritizing physical activity over screen time, and engaging with non-screen hobbies and activities.
Use tools to support boundaries
At this age, using parental controls on devices is absolutely critical for helping set and enforce screen time boundaries. In addition to the controls that come on devices, a tool like Qustodio (which I used with my children and have recommended to thousands of other parents) can help monitor screen use, set time limits, and block inappropriate content. These tools give you an added layer of control and protection while teaching your child about boundaries and online safety.
How to talk with your 6 to 9-year-old about screen time limits
While most parents know it’s important to set and enforce limits on their child’s screen time, it can be tough to know how to approach it with kids and what to say. This can become more challenging with kids ages 6-9, as they are able to communicate their thoughts and feelings, and more likely to argue about the limits. However, they’re also better able to understand reasoning and can engage in discussions about screen time limits. Approaching these conversations in a positive, collaborative way can help them feel involved in the process.
- Explain why boundaries are necessary
Children are more likely to follow rules if they understand the reasons behind them. You might say:
“Screens can be fun and helpful, but if we spend too much time on them, we miss out on other important things like playing, learning, and spending time with family. That’s why we have limits to make sure we’re doing a little bit of everything!”
Approaching it in this way helps your child understand that limits and boundaries are not about punishment but about balance and health.
- Set expectations together
Giving kids appropriate choices helps them feel heard and in control. Instead of you deciding every aspect of the rules, give them some options. You could say:
“When would you like to use your screen time on school days – before dinner or after dinner?”
When children feel included in decision-making, they’re less likely to argue about the rules.
- Use positive reinforcement
Praise your child when they follow the rules or choose non-screen activities on their own. You might say:
“I’m so proud of you for turning off the tablet when your time was up and finding something else to do. That shows great responsibility!”
Reinforcing healthy choices and behavior encourages them to stick to limits and continue making those good decisions.
- Prepare for transitions
Transitions can be tough for all kids, especially when they’re enjoying screen time after a stressful day at school. Give them a heads-up before their time is up so they can plan ahead:
“You have 10 more minutes to play your game. When the timer goes off, it’s time to go outside and ride your bike.”
This approach helps them mentally prepare for the shift and can help reduce resistance.
Final thoughts
Setting screen time boundaries for 6-9-year-old children is an essential part of promoting healthy development and creating balance in their lives. While technology can be a valuable tool for learning and entertainment, excessive use can interfere with key developmental milestones, from social and emotional growth to physical health.
By implementing clear rules, modeling healthy habits, and engaging in open conversations, parents can help their children develop a positive and balanced relationship with screens. Remember, the goal is not to eliminate technology but to make sure they are safe, healthy, and balanced with using it.
