Are you and your co-parent fighting about screen time?

Summer vacation is supposed to be fun, but for many co-parents, it also inspires a familiar disagreement: screen time. When school is out and routines become more flexible, children often spend more time on tablets, phones, gaming systems and streaming services. It may not take long before one parent believes the child is spending too much time on screens while the other thinks the concern is being exaggerated.

Screen time disputes are common because co-parents often have different parenting styles. One household may strictly limit electronics and encourage outdoor activities, while the other allows more freedom during summer break. Children may quickly notice these differences and sometimes use them to their advantage.

The problem is not necessarily that parents have different rules. In most custody arrangements, each parent has considerable discretion regarding day-to-day decisions while their child is in their care. Conflict usually arises when one parent believes the other’s approach is negatively affecting the child’s health, behavior, sleep schedule or academic readiness for the upcoming school year.

For example, a parent may become frustrated if a child returns from the other household exhausted from late-night gaming sessions. Another may be concerned that excessive social media use is contributing to anxiety or behavioral issues. Others may argue about age-appropriate content, online safety or whether children should have unrestricted access to devices.

What can be done?

Rather than turning every screen-time disagreement into a legal battle, co-parents should first focus on communication. Discussing expectations before summer begins can often prevent misunderstandings later. Some parents find success by agreeing on broad guidelines, such as limiting devices during meals, establishing bedtime rules or requiring outdoor activity before recreational screen use.

Consistency can also benefit children. While identical household rules are not always realistic, children generally adapt better when parents share similar expectations regarding technology use.

In high-conflict situations, parenting plans may sometimes address technology-related concerns. Older agreements often do not mention smartphones, social media or gaming because those issues were less common when the orders were drafted. If technology disputes repeatedly create conflict, modifying a parenting plan to include clearer guidelines may be worth considering.