Helpful Screens and Unhelpful Screens

Hello, Digital Explorer!

Screens can help us do many wonderful things. We can use them to learn, create, talk

with loved ones, and enjoy age-appropriate entertainment.

But not everything we do on a screen is helpful. Sometimes screens can keep us from

sleeping, moving, listening, or spending time with people we love.

A Digital Wellness Hero learns how to tell the difference between helpful and unhelpful

screen use.

Jordan loved using his tablet.

One morning, he watched a video that taught him how caterpillars become butterflies.

Afterward, he drew a colorful butterfly and explained what he had learned to his little

sister.

“That was helpful screen time,” his father said. “You used technology to learn and

create.”

Later, Jordan began playing a game. When his timer rang, he ignored it. He kept playing

through dinner and became upset when his father asked him to stop.

Jordan’s father gently explained, “The tablet is still a useful tool, but the way you are

using it right now is not helping your body, feelings, or family.”

Jordan turned off the game, joined his family, and decided to finish playing another day.

Screen use can be helpful when it has a healthy purpose.

Helpful screens can help us:

• Learn new words, numbers, and ideas

• Research animals, nature, science, or history

• Read or listen to a story

• Draw pictures or create music

• Complete schoolwork

• Talk with family members who live far away

• Follow an exercise or movement activity

• Watch safe and age-appropriate programs

• Solve puzzles and practice new skills

• Encourage someone with a kind message

Helpful screen time supports learning, creativity, communication, or healthy fun.

Screen use can become unhelpful when it begins to hurt our health, feelings,

responsibilities, relationships, or safety.

Screen time may be unhelpful when:

• We use a device without permission

• We watch something frightening or inappropriate

• We ignore our parents or caregivers

• We become angry when it is time to stop

• We skip homework, chores, meals, movement, or family time

• We stay on a device too close to bedtime

• We talk to strangers without telling an adult

• We click unknown links or advertisements

• We keep watching even when our eyes or head hurt

• We use unkind words while playing or chatting

• We hide what we are doing online

A device is not automatically good or bad. We must think about what we are doing, how

long we are doing it, and how it affects us.

Before using a screen, ask:

1. Is it safe?

Has a trusted adult approved the game, video, website, or app?

2. Is it helpful?

Will it help me learn, create, communicate, or enjoy healthy fun?

3. Is this the right time?

Have I finished my responsibilities? Is it time for eating, sleeping, studying,

praying, moving, or connecting with my family?

4. Can I stop when it is time?

Am I willing to turn off the screen when my timer rings or an adult asks me to

stop?

If you are unsure, pause and ask a trusted adult.

Think about each example:

• Mia watches a teacher-approved video about the planets.

Helpful

• Caleb secretly uses his tablet after bedtime.

Unhelpful

• Ava video-calls her grandmother with her mother’s permission.

Helpful

• Noah becomes angry and yells when his game ends.

Unhelpful

• Zoe creates a digital birthday card for her friend.

Helpful

• Eli ignores his tired eyes and continues watching videos.

Unhelpful

Remember: Even helpful screen activities need healthy time limits.

Watching an educational program can be helpful, but watching for many hours without a

break is not healthy.

Our bodies and minds also need:

• Sleep

• Exercise

• Outdoor play

• Face-to-face conversations

• Books

• Imagination

• Prayer and quiet time

• Family meals

• Chores and responsibilities

• Creative activities away from screens

Balance means enjoying technology while also making time for the rest of life.

Use the Purpose–Permission–Time rule:

• Purpose: What am I using this screen to do?

• Permission: Has a trusted adult said yes?

• Time: How long may I use it?

When the approved time is finished, turn off the device and choose a new activity.

Parents and children can discuss these questions together:

1. What is one helpful way I use screens?

2. When does screen time become unhelpful for me?

3. How does my body feel after too much screen time?

4. Which screen-free activities make me happy?

5. Who can help me make wise digital choices?

Create two signs:

• HELPFUL SCREEN USE

• UNHELPFUL SCREEN USE

Ask a parent or caregiver to describe different screen-time situations. Point to the sign

that matches each one.

Try these examples:

• Learning a new song

• Watching videos during dinner

• Creating digital artwork

• Using a device without permission

• Calling a family member

• Staying awake late to play a game

• Completing schoolwork

• Sending an unkind message

Then create three examples of your own.

The Bible teaches:

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise.”

—Ephesians 5:15

God gives us wisdom to make healthy choices. We can choose content that protects

our hearts and minds, use our time well, and treat others with kindness.

I can choose helpful screen activities.

I can turn off a device when it is time.

I will ask permission and follow my family’s rules.

I will make time to learn, create, move, rest, and connect.

Technology is my tool—not my boss.

I am a Digital Wellness Hero!

Empowering Families. Transforming Lives.

www.parentingwithloveacademy.com