Scrolling, tapping, liking – social media is a constant companion, especially for young people. But adults are also familiar with this: a quick glance at the smartphone becomes an hour in the feed. This makes conscious breaks all the more important. More and more platforms are recognizing this and offering functions to help you switch off digitally. We show you what options are available – and how you as parents can promote healthy online habits together with your children.
Permanent availability, constant stimuli, uninterrupted screen time – in the long run, this overtaxes the body and mind. Switching off regularly is crucial, especially for children and young people whose brains are still developing. Too much media time can have a negative impact on sleep, concentration and well-being.
Digital breaks help to develop a more conscious approach to media. They create space for relaxation and social interaction in real life – and can also reduce stress. This is because many young people report feeling under pressure to always be “up to date” or to react immediately to news. Breaks are not about doing without, but about relaxation.
Many platforms and device manufacturers have now developed tools that can be used to limit usage times or build in time-outs. They specifically address younger target groups – but parents can also use many of the functions or activate them together.
Both platforms offer functions in their app settings that remind users to take digital breaks. Users can be notified if they exceed a certain amount of time (“Take a Break”) or set daily limits. Linked youth accounts can be managed in the Meta Family Center – including time slots and activity reports.
Good to know: Instagram occasionally automatically displays pause notifications during long scroll phases – especially for younger users.
TikTok has several protective functions, including a screen time dashboard, daily limits and reminders to take breaks. For under-18s, a maximum usage time of 60 minutes per day applies as standard – a password is required for any longer. Rest periods can also be defined, for example during homework time or at night. A weekly activity update gives young people an insight into their usage – and encourages self-reflection.
The platform offers insights into personal usage behavior under “Watch YouTube time“. The “Take a break” function can be used to activate regular reminders, for example every 15 or 30 minutes. Sleeping times can also be set, in which case no notifications are sent.
Tip: YouTube Kids also offers parent-controlled timers to automatically limit video usage.
With the “Screen time” function, parents can set daily time limits for apps, define quiet times or block certain content. All settings can be managed centrally via Family Sharing. Apple also shows detailed reports on daily and weekly usage. The “Downtime” function blocks all apps except those approved by parents – for homework or bedtime, for example.
The integrated “Digital Wellbeing” tool can be used to set time limits, pause notifications and evaluate app usage. The focus mode hides distracting apps for set periods of time – such as school hours or study sessions. Relaxation modes before going to sleep are also available.
Android devices also offer the option of pairing soothing bedtime routines with music or screen dimming.
By the way: In addition to the system’s own functions, there are also numerous apps from third-party providers that can help you use screen time more consciously – for example Forest (for iOS) or StayFree (for Android). Many of these applications work with playful elements such as reward systems: If you don’t use your smartphone for a certain amount of time, you can “plant” a digital tree or collect points.
However, experience shows that the more playful such apps are, the more likely they are to tempt you to spend more time on your screen. It is worth taking a close look at what really helps – and what is more of a distraction.
The tools can be a good start – but they are not a sure-fire success. Children (and adults) often find ways to circumvent limits or ignore notifications. That’s why it’s not just the technical solution that’s important, but the conversation about it: Why do we want to incorporate digital breaks? How do we feel after long periods of screen time – and how do we feel after a break?
For young people in particular, the use of such functions should not be seen as a punishment, but as support. It is helpful to develop rules together – and parents can also set an example.
Digital breaks are not just a children’s issue – they work best when they are anchored in the whole family. Parents can make a big difference through their own behavior. Here are a few tips:
Test together: Try out pause functions with your child – as an experiment, not as a control.
Make breaks visible: Arrange screen-free times – for example at mealtimes, in the evening or in certain rooms.
Talking about feelings: What’s stressful about being online? When is it good to take a break?
Offer alternatives: Help your child to do something nice during breaks – read, draw, go outside.
Be a role model: As an adult, remind yourself to take breaks or consciously put your smartphone away. Children are strongly influenced by what they see their parents doing.
