Director’s Corner

Screen Time Management: Supporting Families in Setting Healthy Digital Habits

By: Katie Becker, Executive Director

At Parenting Matters, we understand that managing screen time is a challenge many families face today. Between demanding jobs and the constant need to stay connected, it’s easy for parents to become glued to their phones. I know this firsthand. After long days, I often find myself scrolling or catching up on emails—but it rarely leaves me feeling refreshed.

For families we serve, this challenge is even more complex. Many parents come to us feeling overwhelmed, unsure of how to balance household responsibilities with engaging their children in meaningful ways. I can relate. My own child watches more TV than I would like. We’ve made the intentional choice not to give him an iPad, but I know the TV still fills in as a distraction.

Just last night, my son shared that he’s gotten into the routine of watching TV at night because we’re busy doing chores and working. That moment broke my heart. I promised him that tonight, I’ll take time to play with him instead. It was a reminder that sometimes we need to look inward and reflect on how we can better connect with our children.

This is exactly why Parenting Matters exists—to help parents recognize these moments and provide them with the tools and support they need to create positive change. Our Parenting Educators work alongside families to set boundaries, establish healthy routines, and model positive digital behaviors.

In today’s world, managing screen time isn’t easy. Thankfully, there are tools available that can help parents navigate this challenge:

  • Qustodio: Offers real-time monitoring of social media use, browsing history, and YouTube views. It allows parents to block inappropriate apps and websites, set screen time limits, and even monitor calls and messages on some devices.
  • Bark: Focuses on communication and trust, using AI to monitor texts, emails, and YouTube for potential issues like cyberbullying or predatory behavior, and alerts parents in real-time.
  • FamiSafe: Provides web filtering, location tracking, app blocking, explicit content detection, and suspicious photo alerts.
  • Net Nanny: Known for its content filtering, time scheduling, location tracking, and social media monitoring tools.
  • SecureTeen: Allows monitoring of social media activity, chats, posts, and even deleted messages across Android and iOS devices.

Tools like these are helpful, but real change happens when families have support systems in place. Parenting Matters offers one-on-one coaching, and hands-on guidance to help parents implement these tools and develop healthy digital habits.

Your support makes this possible. Every donation helps us empower more families to take small, meaningful steps toward healthier routines—steps that lead to stronger connections and brighter futures for their children.

Parenting isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. I’m working on it in my own home, and with your support, Parenting Matters can continue guiding families on this journey. Together, we can help parents build lasting habits that nurture their children’s well-being and resilience.

Your support makes this possible.  Every donation helps us empower more of our families.

Katie Becker joined Parenting Matters as the Executive Director in May of 2022 after being a long-time supporter and board member. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College, and has spent her career in the nonprofit sector, including the YMCA and United Way Suncoast. She has enjoyed honing her skills in fundraising, marketing, and strategic leadership to advance missions close to her heart.  She was born and raised in Pennsylvania and has been a Florida resident for fifteen years. In her free time, Katie enjoys spending time with her family and pets, making art, and being active outdoors.