Parents are being urged to revisit the screen time limits they impose on their kids when they head back to school. Stressed parents may take a more relaxed attitude during the summer break, which can prove seriously detrimental once the new school term begins. Experts say the previously recommended two hours a day limit is now outdated, and parents should take a more sophisticated approach based on “the 5 Cs”.

A new study from Florida International University’s Center for Children and Families finds stressed parents are more likely to rely on screens to keep kids busy. However, experts like Jason Nagata, an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of California, note that a family media plan should be dynamic, varying by season and weekday. Jeff Temple, professor and psychologist with UTHealth Houston, warns that the challenge comes when summer structure doesn’t transition to school year structure.

Child development experts say too much media use can lead to lower academic achievement, attention control, and cognition. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers the Family Media Plan and the 5 Cs of Media Use to guide parents. Apple’s own Screen Time and other parental controls get a significant upgrade in iOS 27.