Tech-Conscious Nannying: Screen Time & Healthy Digital Habits
Most parents want to raise children who are thoughtful and engaged with the world, but also tech-savvy and digitally skilled. The balance can be difficult to manage, especially as technology rapidly improves and becomes increasingly integrated into every facet of daily life. The statistics demonstrate that as children age, their screen time rises dramatically; numbers from the American Academy of Pediatrics show that children ages 2-8 average nearly 4 hours per day of screen time which jumps to 5.5 for children 8-13 and then again to over 8 hours for children 14-17. That is an incredible amount of time: 56 hours per week for many teenagers. All 2026 AAP data on the topic can be found here.
Building good habits from a young age and consistently revisiting boundaries as children age and technology evolves are key to managing an ever-changing technological landscape. The family approach to screen time must be reinforced and consistently supported by all caregivers in the home. In this blog post, we are sharing our tips for tech-conscious nannying.
Utilize Tech Wisely
Technology isn’t the enemy in a healthy home. As has been well established, there are plenty of ways nannies and children alike can benefit from technology, from organization to education to positive entertainment. However, it’s not just about avoiding an over-reliance on screens – it is important to consider what is lost when a child spends hours in front of a screen. The opportunity cost might be less time outdoors, less time moving their bodies, and less time socializing with others. The goal shouldn’t be to blindly cut down on screen time or limit access to technology but to thoughtfully look at the whole picture, both how it can enrich a child’s experience and understanding of the world and what it may take away. Plan to revisit your technology plan every few months as both children age and technology changes.
Assess Current Screen Time
First, we suggest considering where your family currently is in terms of screen time. Be realistic. Check your phone to see how much time you yourself spend on it each day – you might be surprised. Look at your child’s current schedule and assess the current situation. How much of that screen time is spent on education and how much on entertainment? Both are important, but both should be handled thoughtfully and intentionally. Once you honestly understand how much time you spend on screens, you can decide how much to cut back, if needed. Set goals as a family and keep communication open. We always recommend framing these changes in a positive way – instead of focusing on reducing screen time, focus on increasing time outdoors. Natural changes to a family’s schedule can often adjust screen time without the need for strict or formal rules. For example, if you notice that your family often watches an hour of TV every day before dinner, you might replace that three times per week with a family board game or a walk outside. In general, we typically recommend against using screen time as a reward or lack of as a punishment. We also find that broad, completely inflexible rules (hard three-hour limit on screen time per day, for example) don’t typically work long-term as changes to a child’s social or educational needs should be taken into account. These can be good starting points but prepare to adapt as needed.
Communication and Boundaries
It is critical that everyone in the home is on the same page when it comes to rules around technology. Have an open and honest conversation with your nanny about phone rules, photo taking, any cameras in the home, and how much screen time the children can have, and what specifically it can be used for (entertainment, education, socializing, etc.). Speak to children about expectations and changes, and encourage them to communicate to you if they feel things need to change. Be ready to evolve as needed.
Increase Time Outdoors and Hands-On Activities
This is the most important factor that will impact how successful your screen time goals are. Instead of focusing on cutting back screen time, focus on increasing time outdoors, hours around the table together, finding local adventures, and exploring new hobbies. As children discover new passions in the world, their need to be in front of the screen will naturally lessen. Encourage children to try new things and fail and try again. Click here to read our recent post on the importance of free play for young children.
Pay Attention to What Children are Doing Online
Of course, parents should monitor children’s online activities for safety. However, it’s equally as important to take an interest in what they’re spending time doing. If they mention a new game, ask questions about it or even download and try it yourself. Use their tech interests as a way to bond and show you’re interested in what they care about. Regularly ask children which apps they are using and how they spend their time (even if you already know the answers from safety tracking).
Lead by Example
Children watch what we do and learn from it. If the rule is no phones at the dinner table, this should apply to the whole family. Make sure you are intentional and lead by example. You want to model a healthy lifestyle, not send the message that excess screen time is something they can look forward to as an adult.
Use Tech in Moderation
All that being said, modern nannies and all caregivers absolutely have to be tech-savvy in today’s world. Nannies should be comfortable using educational apps, baby monitors and apps, digital scheduling, smart home safety devices, telehealth, virtual learning, and more.
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