How and When to Limit Children's Technology Use
ADvTECH Group • January 31, 2020
Technology is an important part of your child’s life. Ensure that it's also a healthy one.
It’s no secret that technology is a bigger part of people’s lives, from a much younger age. Instead of fearing this development, here’s how to confidently manage your children and electronic activity.
Kids and technology.
Laptops, computers, phones, tablets and TVs are just some of the technologies your child will engage with from a young age. For the most part, this accessibility to information is largely beneficial for your child.
Today, children are able to develop important computer skills early on in life. The educational benefits of technology are also widespread, thanks to internet access. Children have even more learning and researching resources thanks to these modern day advancements.
While there are plenty of tech benefits, it is also natural for parents to feel concerned for the safety and wellbeing of their child. Too much screen time or unmonitored activity could lead to a host of issues, making it important for parents to set healthy boundaries.
How much time should a child spend using electronics?
Every family will have their own feelings about screen time habits. A standard recommendation for older children and teens is approximately 2 hours per day. Children under 5 years old should ideally spend no more than 1 hour per day in front of a TV or computer screen.
When and how should I limit my child’s tech use?
If you’ve noticed your child spending too much time in front of a screen or becoming reliant on their phone, it might be time to consider setting limits. Another sign of problematic tech time is if you notice your child withdrawing socially or failing to engage in family conversation.
For the sake of your child’s physical and mental health, it is good to put boundaries in place. Here’s how:
● Incentivise screen time.
Make the use of tech as reward and not a given activity.
● Spend quality time with your child.
This is the easiest way to ensure that they don’t spend too much time engaging with technology instead.
● Encourage alternative uses for technologies.
Instead of endless hours of games or series, encourage your child to use their tech to pursue other interests. Technology can be a great way to learn how to paint or play an instrument. This way, screen time provides a purpose instead of a never-ending stream of mindless entertainment.
● Limit your young child’s exposure early on.
The earlier you introduce tech to your child, the earlier they will adopt these electronics into their daily life.
● Encourage other activities.
By motivating your child to engage in social activities, family outings or extracurriculars, they will have less time to spend behind a screen.
When it comes to the wellbeing of your child, technology is not something to be feared. Instead, understand different electronics, social media platforms or tech trends in order to better set family boundaries.
Where emotional intelligence, belonging and wellbeing shape confident, high-achieving students
Each year on 14 March, schools across the globe celebrate Pi Day, a playful tribute to the mathematical constant π (3.14). Numbers may seem abstract at first glance, yet behind every formula lies a story of discovery, logic and imagination. Mathematical thinking shapes the way young people analyse the world, solve problems and innovate in fields ranging from medicine to technology. Passion for mathematics rarely appears overnight. Curiosity often provides the starting point. According to Camilla Pretorius, Principal of Trinityhouse Centurion , mathematical confidence develops when students realise that the subject is not about memorising formulas but about exploring patterns and ideas. “Mathematics is fundamentally about curiosity,” Pretorius explains. “Students begin to thrive when they understand that problem-solving is a journey rather than a test of instant ability.” Early childhood plays a critical role in shaping attitudes towards numbers. Young students naturally explore patterns, shapes and quantities through play long before formal lessons begin. Counting steps on a staircase, sorting colourful objects or building towers all introduce foundational mathematical concepts. Teachers who encourage exploration help students associate mathematics with discovery rather than anxiety. Games, puzzles and open-ended questions transform classrooms into spaces where curiosity flourishes. Confidence grows when mistakes become part of learning. “Students sometimes arrive believing they are ‘not maths people’,” Pretorius says. “Changing that mindset requires patience and encouragement. Progress becomes visible once students understand that effort and persistence build mathematical ability.” Academic performance improves when students believe they can succeed. Mathematical confidence determines whether a student will attempt a challenging problem or avoid it entirely. Supportive classroom environments allow students to ask questions, test ideas and learn through trial and error. Teachers play a central role in shaping that environment. Encouraging discussion, celebrating creative thinking and analysing mistakes openly helps students develop resilience.
Celebrating multilingual education at Trinityhouse, where identity, inclusion and global readiness grow together. Experts: Samantha Nkosi, Raesetja Ntuli and Maché Piek (Trinityhouse Centurion Teachers) International Mother Language Day, celebrated annually on 21 February, offers schools across South Africa an opportunity to reflect on language inclusion, cultural diversity and identity. At Trinityhouse Schools, language education is not only about academic achievement. It is about building culturally confident, globally aware students who are proud of their roots. In the early years, language shape’s identity. When young children hear Sepedi, isiZulu, Afrikaans or their home language spoken in the classroom, they feel recognised and valued. Introducing home languages in Pre-Primary affirms cultural heritage at a critical stage of development. Children who encounter familiar words, songs and greetings settle more quickly into school life. Multilingual exposure through music, storytelling, indigenous games and augmented reality books strengthens vocabulary and builds early literacy foundations. Students explore the meaning of their names and surnames, deepening pride in their identity. When a child’s mother tongue is acknowledged, confidence grows. Participation increases. Classrooms become spaces where diversity is celebrated naturally. Early language inclusion supports emotional wellbeing and strengthens school readiness, creating confident students from the very beginning. As students’ progress through Preparatory School, continued development of home language skills alongside English strengthens academic performance. Research and classroom experience consistently show that students who maintain strong home language proficiency demonstrate improved comprehension, stronger reading skills and greater conceptual understanding. Teaching strategies such as repetition, guided group reading and small discussion circles allow multilingual students to participate without pressure. Students often explain concepts in Sepedi before bridging into English, reinforcing understanding and building academic confidence. Parents play a pivotal role in this journey. Daily reading in both English and home languages, storytelling and regular conversation strengthen vocabulary and cognitive development. A strong foundation in a home language enhances English acquisition rather than hindering it. Multilingual students develop cognitive flexibility, empathy and adaptability, essential skills in today’s interconnected world. Aligned with South Africa’s 11 official languages and a strong commitment to diversity in education, Trinityhouse continues to broaden its African language offerings. At Trinityhouse Centurion, Sepedi was introduced at Pre-Primary and Preparatory in 2019 and will be extended to Grade 8 in 2027. Offering Sepedi as a First Additional Language affirms students’ linguistic heritage within an academic setting. When students see their home language valued at high school level, it strengthens identity, belonging and pride. At the same time, multilingual students develop cultural awareness and global readiness. The Sepedi department will prepare students for the IEB National Senior Certificate examinations in their matric year. A structured academic pathway, rigorous assessment standards and active collaboration within the IEB Sepedi cluster across Pretoria and Gauteng will ensure consistency and academic excellence. Close cooperation between the Preparatory and High School departments will further support a smooth and well-coordinated implementation in 2027. Adolescence is a critical period of identity formation. Language inclusion directly influences student confidence, wellbeing and belonging. Being able to connect socially through a shared language reduces isolation and fosters community. Through Respect, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives, Public Speaking, assembly celebrations and events such as Heritage Day Fire Feast, Trinityhouse creates spaces where students celebrate linguistic pride through praise poetry, storytelling and song. These moments strengthen engagement, participation and cultural appreciation. International Mother Language Day reminds us that language is more than communication. It is memory, belonging and identity. At Trinityhouse, raising globally competitive students who are proud of their heritage means ensuring that cultural identity and academic excellence walk hand in hand.
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