Screen time isn't the enemy—unsupervised app culture is
Here's what a psychologist advises parents to focus on instead
Published Jan 17, 2026 02:22 pm
For many parents, conversations about screen time come with guilt. We count minutes, set timers, and wonder if we’re doing enough, or too much, to protect our children from screens. According to registered psychologist Dr. Elaine Rose S. Ferrer, focusing on screen time alone is not enough.
“Framing the conversation purely around screen time misses the bigger picture,” she explains. “It doesn’t consider the quality and impact of how technology is being used.” The more important discussion should be about digital health, and how technology use intersects with a child’s emotional, social, and cognitive wellbeing.
Screen time alone isn’t enough
Not all screens and their experiences are the same. Watching a family movie, attending an online class, or video-calling relatives is different from unsupervised scrolling through short-form videos curated by an algorithm.
“When we only focus on screen time, we ignore what kids are actually exposed to,” Dr. Elaine says. “Screen time includes TV, tablets, and phones—but what truly matters is what children are seeing, engaging with, and internalizing.”
This is where intention becomes important. Screens can be used as tools that support learning and connection, or simply as a way to pass the time. Dr. Elaine recalls witnessing this scenario in everyday parenting moments.
“I remember eating at a restaurant with friends whose tendency was to pull out a tablet so their child could stay busy while they ate,” she shares. “We’re not here to judge parents who want a bit of peace and quiet. But it’s important to understand the intentionality behind digital use.”
With intention in mind, parents can make conscious choices about what their children engage with, how long, and in what context. “Screen time then becomes a tool to supplement children’s experiences, not just something to fill time.”
TV versus apps
One of the most significant shifts in children’s media consumption today is the move from passive screen use to app-driven engagement. Unlike television, apps are powered by algorithms designed to keep users watching.
“Apps are driven by algorithms,” Dr. Elaine explains. “Yes, you can scroll, but the more you watch a certain type of content, the more that same content is fed back to you.”
“If app use is unsupervised, it can greatly influence a person’s identity and behavior,” she warns. “That’s why guidance is important—so children engage with the digital world in a healthier way, rather than letting algorithms stimulate their thoughts and feelings.”
Dr. Elaine clarifies that not all apps are harmful, but they require more awareness and involvement from adults, especially when children are still developing self-regulation skills.
Intentional screen use
Many parents feel conflicted about using screens as temporary distractions. Dr. Elaine emphasizes that understanding—not guilt—should guide these conversations.
“By being intentional with app use or screen time, we can make conscious efforts and choices,” she says, adding that intentional screen use transforms technology from a default solution into a purposeful tool. One that supports learning, creativity, and connection, rather than replacing offline interaction.
Identifying screen use
To help families better understand their digital habits, Dr. Elaine suggests distinguishing between different types of screen time.
Productive screen time includes activities that help children perform tasks or learn skills, such as writing school papers, attending online classes, or creating presentations.
Participative or engaging screen time involves interaction such as video calls, collaborative games, or live workshops where children actively engage with others.
Passive screen time requires minimal thought or participation, such as watching random videos or endlessly scrolling. “This is where unhealthy habits like doomscrolling can begin,” Dr. Elaine notes, especially when left unchecked.
The goal, she emphasizes, is balance and not elimination.
Guidance is the key
Monitoring digital health is not about strict bans or constant monitoring. “Supervision is meant to guide, not control,” Dr. Elaine says. Conversations, co-viewing, and checking in about what children consume online help them process their experiences more meaningfully.
Technology has become an increasingly integral part of everyday life, and there is no escaping it. What parents can do is to guide children through each experience. By focusing on intention and balance, screens can become tools for learning and advancement that support children’s growth.