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A recent U.S. court decision finding that Meta and Google deliberately engineered addictive social media platforms has resonated with many parents concerned about their children’s screen habits. The case centered on a young woman known as Kaley, whose lawyers argued that features like infinite scrolling on Instagram were intentionally designed to keep users hooked.

While the ruling has been described as a “game-changing moment” for holding tech companies accountable, it offers little immediate relief for families trying to limit daily screen time.

Parenting specialists say there are still practical strategies caregivers can use to regain some control over device use at home.

Start small and be realistic

For families already accustomed to smartphones and tablets, eliminating devices altogether may not be effective, according to child psychologist Dr Jane Gilmour.

"Changing a habit is always going to be hard," she says. Instead of reacting during arguments, she advises introducing changes at calmer moments. "Calm brains communicate best."

One simple step is to create a designated place in the home for devices, such as a drawer or cupboard. "Have one place for chargers... so when the phones go away, they go on the charger and that's it."

Be collaborative

Experts say older children and teenagers respond better when they are included in discussions about screen limits rather than being given strict rules.

Child psychologist Dr Maryhan Baker suggests acknowledging the social importance of online platforms. "I understand that that's where you connect with your friends. I understand the social pressure if you're deemed not to be on this. I really get it.

"So let's have a conversation about how we can begin to create space within our day, and your day where you're not on that phone all of the time."

Parenting coach Olivia Edwards says strong relationships are key to cooperation. "We have to have a strong relationship with our child because that is what's going to get us towards co-operation [and] teamwork." She adds that showing genuine interest in what children watch or follow online can help build that connection.

Turn screen time into learning opportunities

Keeping up with online trends can feel overwhelming for parents, but experts say it can also be an opportunity for mutual learning.

Olivia says: "You might say something like: 'How do you think social media works? How do you think that app works to keep people looking at it? Did you know they make money off the more time people spend on it?'"

Dr Gilmour recommends using real examples to teach digital literacy. "There might be content that you can look at together and say, 'OK, do you think that that is true? How would I figure out if that's true or not?'"

Model good behaviour

Specialists emphasize that children often mirror adult habits, making parental behavior a critical factor.

Dr Baker suggests approaching the topic with honesty and humor. "Even if we just do a slightly self-deprecating conversation with our kids, like: 'We're all guilty of this, I'm not as great on my relationship with [my phone] as I could be.'"

Experts also encourage families to embrace moments of boredom rather than constantly filling time with screens. Dr Gilmour explains that letting the mind wander can support creativity and reflection.

"Being on the screen, it keeps us looking at the external world. When we go into our internal world and we sort of stare into space, into the middle distance, it allows us to think about the past, it allows us to visualise the future, it predicts creativity.

"So when your kids are protesting [that] there's nothing to do, they're just staring into space - that's OK. And actually that's a positive thing."

Don’t panic

Despite growing concern about screen use, experts caution against alarmist thinking.

Dr Tony Sampson, a reader in digital communication at the University of Essex, says parents should avoid assuming all teenagers are destined for addiction.

"There is a tendency for anxious parents to become caught up in a prevailing media panic and see all adolescent brains as simply hardwired for social media addiction," he says.

He notes that young people’s brains are highly adaptable, a quality known as neuroplasticity.

"We read a lot about the ways in which social media erodes attention," he says.

"[But] social media does not shorten or erode attention. It captures it and diverts it toward engagement with commercial content.

"Positive technological use can help boost neuroplasticity for creativity, exploration and learning."