Online Reporter
Lucia Ponde Mutsvedu
As school holidays begin, many households are once again confronted with a growing concern: the increasing amount of time children spend on digital devices. In the 21st century, gadgets such as smartphones, tablets and laptops have become an integral part of children’s lives.
While these technologies offer numerous benefits, their overuse — particularly during holidays — is raising serious questions about children’s health and well-being.
For many children, especially those returning from boarding schools, holidays were traditionally a time for outdoor play, family bonding and social visits.
Today, however, this period of rest and relaxation is increasingly dominated by screen-based activities.
Children often spend hours on streaming platforms, gaming, or scrolling through social media, with little regard for physical activity or face‑to‑face interaction.
Globally, concern over excessive screen time is growing.
Recent reports in March 2026 from international media outlets such as the BBC and Al Jazeera indicate that countries like the United Kingdom are beginning to implement stricter measures to regulate children’s use of digital devices.
These interventions are informed by mounting evidence linking prolonged screen exposure to a range of health concerns, including eye strain, disrupted sleep patterns and reduced physical activity.
Such developments prompt an important question for parents: Should children’s screen time be limited during holidays? While the answer may not be entirely straightforward, what is clear is that balance is essential.
On one hand, digital gadgets provide significant advantages.
They offer access to educational resources, promote creativity and enable children to remain connected with peers and family members.
In an increasingly digital world, technological competence is a valuable skill that children must develop.
During the holidays, when academic pressures are minimal, it is natural for children to gravitate towards digital entertainment.
However, the benefits of technology must be weighed against its risks.
Countries such as Austria and the United Kingdom have already taken proactive steps to limit excessive use, demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding children’s well-being.
For developing nations, including Zimbabwe, where access to smartphones is expanding rapidly, the need for guidance and regulation is equally critical.
Experts in child development continue to stress the importance of setting clear boundaries.
Researcher Jean Twenge (2025) advises that children should not have access to mobile phones in their bedrooms at night.
According to her findings, unrestricted access to devices during sleeping hours interferes with rest, which is vital for both physical and cognitive development.
Establishing simple rules, such as keeping devices out of bedrooms, can significantly improve sleep quality and overall health.
Beyond physical health, excessive screen time poses serious psychological and social risks.
Children who spend prolonged periods online are more likely to encounter cyberbullying, online harassment and inappropriate content.
These experiences can have lasting effects, contributing to anxiety, depression and, in some cases, self-harm.
Reports of children taking their own lives following online abuse serve as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with unmonitored digital engagement.
The holiday period, therefore, presents a valuable opportunity for parents to actively guide their children’s use of technology. Rather than adopting a purely restrictive approach, parents are encouraged to engage in open and meaningful conversations with their children about digital habits.
Understanding children’s perspectives can help parents implement practical and realistic solutions.
One effective strategy is the establishment of structured screen-time schedules. For instance, children may be allowed to use their devices for a few hours in the morning and again in the evening, while dedicating the rest of the day to offline activities.
Encouraging participation in sports, reading, creative arts and household chores can help reduce dependence on digital devices while promoting holistic development.
Introducing hobbies is particularly important during holidays, as idle time often leads to increased screen use.
Activities such as gardening, drawing, music or even community engagement can provide meaningful alternatives that support both physical and mental well-being.
There are also differing opinions regarding the appropriate age at which children should own smartphones.
Some scholars argue that children should only be introduced to smartphones at the age of 16, while others contend that earlier access is acceptable if properly supervised.
Regardless of these differing views, one point remains undeniable: excessive and uncontrolled use of digital devices is harmful, irrespective of age.
Overreliance on gadgets can also affect behaviour and social development.
Children who are constantly engaged with their phones may become withdrawn, irritable or less responsive to family interactions.
In some cases, they may resist performing basic responsibilities such as household chores, viewing them as interruptions to their screen time.
This can lead to a breakdown in discipline and negatively impact character development.
Parents, therefore, have a responsibility to instil discipline and ensure that children maintain a balanced lifestyle.
This includes enforcing rules, monitoring device usage and modelling positive behaviour.
Children are more likely to adopt healthy habits when they observe responsible technology use within the home.
It is also important to recognise that holidays play a significant role in shaping children’s habits and behaviours.
Patterns established during this period often extend into the school term and beyond.
Allowing unrestricted screen time during holidays may foster habits that are difficult to reverse, including dependency on digital devices and reduced interest in social relationships.
Ultimately, gadgets are an unavoidable part of modern life.
The challenge is not to eliminate their use, but to manage it effectively. Striking a balance between online and offline activities is essential in ensuring that children grow into well-rounded individuals.
As the holiday season unfolds, parents are urged to take a proactive and intentional approach.
Monitoring screen time, encouraging physical activity, promoting social interaction and ensuring that children remain engaged in daily responsibilities can significantly reduce the negative impact of excessive gadget use.
In the end, the goal is clear: to raise children who are not controlled by technology, but who are disciplined enough to use it wisely and responsibly.
