How many times have you told your kids to get off their digital devices? Maybe you have a strict time limit they need to adhere to or rules about when and where they can use their electronics. Plenty of evidence shows that kids who spend excessive time on digital devices suffer from all kinds of negative side effects, including irregular sleep habits, problems at school, obesity, and behavioral issues. Not allowing them to be on their smartphones and tablets all day long is just part of being a responsible parent.

Of course, it’s easy to focus on kids—but here’s an uncomfortable truth: that same lesson applies to adults, too. Follow along as we take a deep dive into why digital boundaries are important for parents and how you can set realistic ones. 

How Much Digital Device Time Is Too Much?

One of the biggest problems with digital boundaries is knowing you’re at the point of needing a boundary. Since it’s easy to assume you use your device as much as the next person, it helps to know when device use becomes excessive.

According to experts, adults should keep their screen time outside of work-related tasks to a maximum of two hours daily. Figuring out the time limit doesn’t have to be confusing, either. Most smartphones have built-in timers that you can set. They also have trackers that show exactly how much time you spend on each app. 

You’ll typically find these tools in your smartphone’s Settings menu, often under “Digital Wellbeing” or “Parental Controls.” Some phones can also send a breakdown of your weekly screen time. You can use the report to track your progress as you try to cut back on your screen time.

Choose Intentional Content and Escape Mindless Surfing

When cutting back on digital device time, you’ll want to use your time wisely. If you only allow yourself two hours per day, mindless surfing is going to eat away at that time very quickly. Choosing intentional content helps you make the most of your screen time. When you are intentional with your screen time, it means you need to be picky about why you’re on your device, what you want to do, and how you plan to engage. It’s mindful digital usage. 

Surfing the internet may not even be your weakness. You might be more of an online gamer. Whatever the case, the same technique applies. Making mindful entertainment choices is essential for those who enjoy light gaming—whether you play puzzle games on your phone or place small wagers on PA online casinos. It’s about limiting the amount of time you spend online and practicing responsible habits. You can develop healthier digital habits without giving up your personal downtime.

Digital Habits Can Contribute to Stress and Anxiety

But even mindful use can take a toll if not balanced. Let’s look at how digital habits affect our emotional well-being. The internet is supposed to make life easier, more productive, more streamlined, and more entertaining for people. In its best moments, it is able to achieve each of these goals. The problem is there are a lot of negative aspects to the internet. In fact, your digital habits and excessive screen time are less likely to relax you and more likely to contribute to stress and anxiety.

Stress is something everyone suffers from, so finding a healthy way to combat it is essential. If your first instinct is to pick up your phone and start scrolling social media, you may be doing more harm than good. Unfortunately, the internet can be a black hole when it comes to misinformation, hate, bullying, and more. All of this can increase your stress and anxiety and may have the opposite of the intended effect.

Boundaries Don’t Have to Be Restrictive

When we hear the word “boundaries,” the first thought is often restrictions. However, digital boundaries don’t have to be restrictive. You’re still able to use your device. It’s just that you’re intentional about how and when you use it. The sooner you can disassociate the idea of restriction from the word boundaries, the easier it will be to make the necessary changes. 

Be a Positive Role Model for Your Kids

Don’t forget that as the parent, you are the ultimate role model for your children. It’s about walking the walk and talking the talk. If you tell kids they have rules about using their digital devices, and then you ignore all the rules, how do you expect them to react? 

By showing that life beyond screens is richer and more fulfilling, you teach kids healthy digital habits that stick with them through adolescence and into adulthood. 

Simple Digital Boundary Tips Adults Can Follow

To wrap up, here are some simple tips adults can use immediately. These will take the work out of setting digital boundaries, making the process much smoother. 

  • Use a digital timer when on your device.
  • Turn off notifications.
  • Keep your device out of reach during downtime or non-essential moments.
  • Create digital-device-free zones in the house, such as the bedroom or the kitchen table during mealtimes.
  • Pick up a hobby to help fill your free time at home. 

Limiting Digital Device Time Can Be the Best Decision You Make

As adults, it’s important to strive for a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle. That can be achieved in so many ways, but all too often how we use digital devices is overlooked. Limiting digital device time could end up being the best thing for your mental and physical well-being. At the same time, you’ll be setting a great example for your kids during their most impressionable years.