Column: Rawlins On Kids, Screens & More

[Opinion column written by Chardonaé Rawlins]

These days, screen time is a parenting battleground and many of us are caught in the middle, unsure of how much is too much, what’s “good” tech, or how to keep up with ever-changing social media trends. For parents and caregivers in Bermuda, the struggle isn’t just global, it’s right here in our homes.

But the truth is, this conversation isn’t really about screens. It’s about connection, safety, and the developmental needs of children growing up in a world that never powers down.

Screens Aren’t the Enemy, But They Do Change the Landscape

Research shows that early exposure to screens, especially without co-engagement from a caregiver, can delay language acquisition, attention skills, and emotional regulation in young children. Studies from the Canadian Paediatric Society and American Academy of Pediatrics continue to recommend limited screen time for children under 5, and stress that what’s on the screen matters just as much as how long they’re watching.

But here in Bermuda, where tablets are often used to soothe, occupy, or reward children, we’re not just fighting technology, we’re often fighting time, burnout, and a lack of community support.

It’s not about guilt. It’s about reclaiming intentionality.

For Teens, the Risks Look Different, But They’re Just as Real

In older children and teens, it’s no longer “screen time”, it’s their social world. Yet prolonged, unsupervised engagement with platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, or Instagram has been linked to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and self-esteem struggles. A 2023 report from the U.S. Surgeon General emphasized the growing evidence that excessive screen use contributes to poor sleep, social comparison, and exposure to harmful content, especially for girls and marginalized youth.

In Bermuda, where conversations around revenge porn, cyberbullying, and unfiltered content are becoming more urgent, we can’t afford to dismiss these risks. Digital culture is shaping how our kids see themselves, and what they think they’re worth.

So What Can We Actually Do?

We don’t need to throw the iPads away or panic every time our teen scrolls past bedtime. But we do need to shift how we engage with screens, and more importantly, how we engage with our children around those screens.

Here are some small shifts that make a big difference:

• Start early with co-viewing. For little ones, watch and talk about what they’re seeing. Ask questions. Share laughs. Use media as a springboard, not a babysitter.

• Keep devices out of bedrooms. For children and teens alike, this one boundary protects sleep, mental health, and regulation more than almost any other.

• Replace punishment with conversation. When you’re worried about what they’ve seen or posted, lean into dialogue, not discipline.

• Normalize brain breaks. Rest and boredom are where creativity grows. Not every quiet moment needs filling with a screen.

• Be the model. Children notice if our heads are always down too.

This Is About More Than Screen Time, It’s About Wellness

At the end of the day, screens are just one part of the story. Family stress, emotional disconnection, and mental health struggles often play a much bigger role in how — and why — screens become overused.

In my work with Simply Bloom Bermuda, we see this again and again. Kids don’t just need limits, they need relationships. They need presence. They need adults who understand what’s really going on beneath the scroll.

We believe in building healthier digital habits not by fear, but by curiosity, connection, and compassion.

So, as we move through this school term, let’s reframe the question from “How do I cut screen time?” to:

“How do I deepen the connection in my home, so that screens don’t have to do the job for me?”

Explore wellness tools and resources for your family at www.simplybloombda.com. Follow along @simply.bloombda on Instagram

- Chardonaé Rawlins, Child & Adolescent Mental Health Specialist | Founder, Simply Bloom Bermuda

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