Mental health experts are urging parents to monitor how much time children spend on digital devices, recommending that their overall daily screen time on phones, televisions, computers and other devices should not exceed 40 minutes.
Children and young people are among the most frequent users of technology, particularly smartphones. Many spend long periods watching videos, playing games or browsing different online platforms.
While technology can support children’s learning and provide entertainment, some parents say setting limits and ensuring children stick to them can be difficult.
One parent said that when he returns home from work and puts down his phone, his child immediately picks it up, sometimes leading to arguments over the device. He said he occasionally puts cartoons on the phone to keep the child occupied, although he tries to limit the viewing time.
The parent said he believes children should only be given their own phones after completing secondary school.
Velena Uzamukunda, a parent living in Kigali, said younger children require close supervision when using smartphones.
“By the age of 17 or 18, a child begins to understand certain things and is gradually moving out of childhood. But between 12 and 16, they are still children. Giving them a phone at that stage can become a challenge because they may not yet know how to protect themselves from harmful content or behaviours,” she said.
Dr Chaste Uwihoreye, a University of Rwanda lecturer and mental health expert, told Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) that parents should teach children how to use technology responsibly while also setting clear limits on their screen time.
“Technology is useful because it is a valuable tool. Parents need to help young people understand how to use technology and smartphones properly, and teach them what is beneficial and what can be harmful,” he said.
For younger children, Uwihoreye recommends keeping screen time particularly limited, saying they need enough time to interact and communicate with others.
“For young children, I strongly recommend giving them only a limited amount of time to use technology, while giving them much more time to talk and interact with their parents,” he said.
Uwihoreye recommends that children spend no more than 40 minutes using digital devices overall.
He said limiting screen time gives children more opportunities to play with others, socialise and take part in other activities, which can support their mental wellbeing.
The psychologist also cautioned against using phones or television as a way of calming children whenever they cry or become upset, saying this should not become a substitute for parenting.
“Instead of giving a child a fruit or biscuit, some parents hand them a phone simply to make them quiet. A phone, technology or switching on the television should not be used as the primary way of managing a child’s emotions,” he said.
He explained that children should instead be helped to calm down through interaction with their parents, including talking to them, holding them and giving them attention, rather than routinely handing them a phone to stop them from crying.
Uwihoreye stressed that technology can be beneficial, but parents need to set appropriate limits on how much time children spend using digital devices.
He said children should generally spend no more than 40 minutes on such devices before having sufficient time to play, communicate and socialise with others, activities that can contribute to better mental wellbeing and healthy development.
