The holiday season brings a welcome pause from the school routine — but it can also mean increased screen time, relaxed boundaries, and new digital challenges for families. With more free time and fewer structured activities, children often turn to devices for entertainment, connection, and escape.
Rather than viewing this as a problem, the holidays offer a valuable opportunity to reset habits and support your family’s digital wellbeing in a positive, proactive way.
Step 1: Reflect on the Year Together
Before setting new rules or limits, take time to talk as a family about how technology has been used over the past year.
Try this:
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Ask each family member what they enjoyed most online this year
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Discuss any challenges, arguments, or concerns around screen time
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Encourage kids to share what makes them feel good — or not so good — after using devices
These conversations help children feel heard and make them more likely to engage with changes moving forward.
Step 2: Set Clear (and Realistic) Holiday Expectations
Holiday routines look very different from school terms, so it’s important to reset expectations rather than abandon boundaries altogether.
Step-by-step:
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Decide together how screen time will look during the holidays
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Agree on device-free times (meals, family outings, before bed)
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Set reasonable limits based on age, not comparison with friends
When expectations are clear and consistent, there’s far less conflict.
Step 3: Create or Update a Family Technology Agreement
A family tech agreement turns expectations into shared commitments rather than rules imposed by parents.
Include things like:
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When and where devices can be used
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How to behave respectfully online
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What to do if something upsetting or unsafe appears online
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Consequences everyone agrees are fair
Involving children in this process builds responsibility and accountability.
Step 4: Lead by Example
Children notice adult behaviour — especially during holidays when families spend more time together.
Ask yourself:
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Am I present when my child is talking to me?
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Do I model healthy breaks from screens?
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Do I explain why I use technology for work or connection?
You don’t need to be perfect — just intentional. Small changes in adult behaviour often lead to big changes in kids.
Step 5: Plan Screen-Free Activities (Before You Need Them)
Telling kids to “get off screens” without alternatives rarely works. Planning ahead makes all the difference.
Ideas to prepare in advance:
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Board games, puzzles, or craft kits
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Outdoor activities like bike rides or beach walks
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Cooking or baking together
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Short family challenges (photo scavenger hunts, reading goals)
When engaging options are available, screen battles decrease naturally.
Step 6: Try a Mini Digital Reset
You don’t need a full technology ban to make a difference. Even short, intentional breaks can reset habits.
Options to try:
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One screen-free day each week
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Device-free mornings or evenings
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A weekend focused on offline activities
Expect some resistance — that’s normal. Stay calm, consistent, and supportive.
Step 7: Check in on Online Safety
Holidays can increase exposure to new apps, games, and online interactions.
Use this time to:
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Review privacy settings and parental controls
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Talk about scams, inappropriate content, and online contact
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Remind children they can always come to you if something feels wrong
Ongoing conversations are far more effective than one-off warnings.
A Healthy Reset for the Year Ahead
Digital wellbeing isn’t about eliminating screens — it’s about helping children develop balanced, healthy relationships with technology. The holiday break provides a rare window to slow down, reconnect, and set positive patterns that can carry into the new year.
By reflecting together, setting shared expectations, modelling good habits, and creating space for offline connection, families can enjoy both the benefits of technology and the moments that happen when screens are switched off.
