When Screens Become an Escape: Supporting Children in the Digital Age

Screens are everywhere — offering learning, entertainment, and social connection. But for many children, especially those facing loneliness, frequent moves, or family stress, screen time can quietly turn into a coping mechanism. This can prevent them from processing feelings or developing resilience. In my practice, I have seen an increase in calls for help from parents with children as young as seven who are addicted to their screens. Read below to learn more about this phenomenon and how parents can support their children in developing healthy relationships with their screens.

Understanding the Impact of Screen Time

Why Children Lean on Screens

• Screens as coping: Research shows that kids often use devices to escape uncomfortable emotions such as sadness, loneliness, or family stress. For expat or nomadic children, screens can provide a sense of belonging or connection when friends and routines are disrupted (Yes We Can Clinics, 2024; CDC, 2025).

• The vicious cycle: A large 2025 meta-analysis of over 130 longitudinal studies, covering nearly 300,000 children worldwide, found that higher screen use predicts later risks of anxiety, depression, aggression, and attention difficulties. Children already struggling emotionally tend to increase their screen time, creating a self-reinforcing loop (University of Queensland, 2025).

• Family stress amplifies risks: A Finnish study of five-year-olds found that high screen use was associated with attention problems, hyperactivity, and emotional difficulties — especially when mothers experienced high stress or depressive symptoms (BMC Pediatrics, 2024).

  
  
  
  

The research points in a particular direction: Children who have not had the opportunity to learn to feel and process their emotions may find the numbing, distracting effect of their devices to be a welcoming refuge. They can distract or even numb themselves instead of facing these feelings.

What Parents Can Do To Minimise Screen Time

Start with Empathy

Recognise that screens may be filling a need for comfort, distraction, or connection. Avoid shaming your child. Instead, talk with them about when screens help and when they hurt. This conversation can foster understanding and openness.

Set Clear but Realistic Boundaries

Start with screen-free mealtimes and bedtimes. Make bedrooms screen-free zones. Collaborate with your children to create screen-time rules so they feel part of the conversation. This inclusion can make them more likely to adhere to the rules.

Offer Alternatives

Encourage activities like sports, art, nature exploration, or local community groups. For expat kids, connecting them with other children who share their experiences can be particularly beneficial. This can help them build friendships and find support.

Teach Emotional Skills

Help kids name and manage their feelings. Show them other ways to cope, such as journaling, drawing, mindfulness, or talking. These skills can empower them to handle their emotions without relying solely on screens.

Model Balance

Your habits shape theirs. Put your own phone down during meals or family time. By demonstrating a balanced approach to screen use, you can encourage your children to follow suit.

Recognising Red Flags

It's important for parents to keep an eye out for red flags. Look for signs like worsening mood, sleep disruption, falling grades, or withdrawing from offline activities. If screen time seems to dominate your child’s wellbeing, professional support can make a big difference.

Conclusion: Finding Balance

Screens are not the enemy. However, when they become the only coping strategy, problems can grow. By combining empathy with structure, parents can guide children toward healthier habits. This can help them face life’s challenges with more resilience.

Are you concerned about the frequency at which your child is using devices? Do you need more guidance in creating a healthier balance in this aspect of your child's life? Head over to my website to schedule a free Discovery Call.

Best wishes,

Megan