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.
A shared Christian heritage and a commitment to educational excellence come together as Glenwood House prepares for its next chapter
This International Day of Friendship, Trinityhouse explores how meaningful relationships nurture belonging, shape character and help children grow into compassionate, confident young adults.
International Chess Day highlights how Trinityhouse and Mzansi Chess Academy are helping students develop the thinking, resilience and leadership skills needed for tomorrow's world.
A new chapter will strengthen Christian values, academic excellence and opportunities for generations of students
Why play remains one of the most powerful tools in shaping confident, capable and compassionate adults
Engineering Speed, Grit and Global Adventure: Meet Trinityhouse Alumnus Matthew Thersby
Winning a match may earn applause in the moment, but the lessons learnt through sport often last a lifetime. Every training session, team talk, victory and defeat presents students with opportunities to develop resilience, discipline, leadership and integrity in ways few other environments can offer. As schools around the world mark World Fair Play Day on 19 May 2026, conversations around sport are shifting beyond trophies and results towards the deeper role athletics play in shaping character and preparing students for life beyond the classroom. Sport places students in environments where responsibility constantly changes. One moment may require leadership and confidence, while another demands humility, support and teamwork. These experiences encourage students to understand that success is rarely achieved alone. According to Trinityhouse Preparatory Centurion Deputy Principal Franco van Dyk, sport provides one of the most practical platforms for character development. “Sport challenges students to lead, support, adapt and persevere in real-time situations. Character is often revealed during moments of pressure, disappointment or uncertainty. Those experiences help shape young people into resilient and responsible individuals,” says van Dyk. Participation in sport also teaches accountability. Students quickly learn that preparation, commitment and consistency influence outcomes. Team environments reinforce the understanding that every individual contribution matters and that collective success depends on shared effort and responsibility. Healthy sporting cultures are equally dependent on respect. Respect towards teammates, opponents, teachers, coaches and the school itself create environments where students feel connected to something greater than themselves. Pride in representing a school badge often strengthens responsibility, discipline and unity. Good sportsmanship becomes especially important during difficult moments. Victory may reveal confidence but defeat often reveals character. Students learn how to recover after setbacks, reflect on performance and continue striving towards improvement despite disappointment. “Fair play is about much more than following rules,” explains van Dyk. “Students learn that integrity matters even when nobody is watching. Ethical behaviour, honesty and respect become habits that influence the way they lead and interact later in life.” Sport also provides valuable opportunities for students to develop emotional maturity. Pressure situations, competition and conflict require young people to manage emotions constructively while learning how to communicate effectively and make decisions under stress. Leadership within sport extends beyond captains and top performers. Students who encourage teammates, demonstrate discipline and show empathy often influence team culture just as powerfully. Younger students naturally observe these behaviours and begin adopting similar values themselves. Humility remains another important lesson developed through sport. Success can easily create complacency, yet grounded individuals continue learning, improving and respecting others regardless of results. Students begin to understand that personal growth matters more than status or recognition. Inclusive sporting environments also play a vital role in student development. Equal opportunities encourage participation, confidence and belonging while strengthening school communities. Students exposed to diverse personalities, strengths and perspectives develop empathy and mutual respect through shared experiences. Schools therefore carry an important responsibility to ensure sport remains grounded in values and fair play rather than purely results-driven competition. Recognition of effort, resilience, teamwork and improvement helps students understand that conduct and character carry greater long-term value than short-term victories. “Sport prepares students for life far beyond school,” adds van Dyk. “Resilience, discipline, teamwork, humility and integrity remain essential qualities in adulthood. Lessons developed on the sports field often become the foundation for future leadership and success.” As conversations around education continue evolving, sport remains one of the most powerful classrooms for teaching students how to lead ethically, support others respectfully and approach life with courage and integrity.
International Families Day reminds us that students thrive when schools and families walk the journey together
Where emotional intelligence, belonging and wellbeing shape confident, high-achieving students
