Wawel International School – anglojęzyczne przedszkole i szkoła podstawowa Kraków
WAWEL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Balanced Screens: How to Manage Screen Time Over the Summer (and What to Do Instead)
Summer break offers children more freedom—and often, more time in front of screens. While technology can be a great tool for learning and creativity, too much passive screen time can take away from real-world experiences, social growth, and healthy routines.
Finding a balanced approach helps your child enjoy the best of both worlds: the excitement of digital life, and the joy of offline discovery.
Set a Rhythm, Not a Rulebook
Instead of strict limits, think in terms of rhythms. For example, try the “Play-Learn–Move-Screen” model: encourage outdoor play, hands-on learning, and physical activity before screen time. When screens are part of a bigger daily flow, they feel less like a battle and more like one of many choices.
Co-View and Connect
Whenever possible, engage with your child’s screen time. Watch together, talk about what’s happening, ask questions. Co-viewing turns passive watching into a shared experience—and helps you stay in touch with what your child is absorbing.
Choose Quality Over Quantity
Not all screen time is equal. Watching random videos for hours is very different from using apps that promote language skills, creativity, or critical thinking. In fact, some children continue practicing English over the summer through interactive games, storytelling platforms, or creative projects in a second language.
A child who learns in an environment like Wawel International School, where technology is used purposefully and thoughtfully, is more likely to carry that healthy mindset into the holidays too.
Offer Appealing Alternatives
Sometimes screens are just the easiest option. The trick is to have other engaging choices ready:
– A box of craft supplies
– A picnic and scavenger hunt in the park
– Audiobooks or podcasts in English
– A building challenge with LEGO
– Journaling or drawing their “summer story”
When alternatives feel fun and accessible, children are more likely to choose them on their own.
Design Screen-Free Zones or Hours
Create times and spaces where screens are off-limits—like during meals, in the bedroom at night, or during family outings. These boundaries help children develop healthy habits and improve focus, sleep, and emotional regulation.
Model the Balance
Children learn more from what we do than what we say. If they see you putting your phone aside during a walk or choosing a book over a screen at bedtime, they’re more likely to do the same.
A Summer of Real-World Growth
The goal isn’t to eliminate screens—it’s to use them wisely and balance them with meaningful offline experiences. When a child is used to a school environment that values real-world connections, creative expression, and active learning—as seen at places like Wawel International School—they naturally seek out similar richness during the summer.
This break can be a time of wonder, reflection, and discovery. With a bit of planning and flexibility, you can help your child unplug just enough to plug into something even better.