Experts and parents see promise in Rogers’ screen-time initiative
Moderating screen time has become one of the most daunting parenting challenges for families with tweens and teens. A recent Rogers program aiming to curb youth screen time has drawn cautious optimism from parents and digital-wellbeing researchers who say it could catalyze healthier digital habits—if implemented thoughtfully and with privacy safeguards in place.
In Toronto, many parents describe how the pandemic rewired their children’s relationship with screens. Andrea Chrysanthou, a mother of two, notes that ever since schools shifted online, screens shifted from a convenience to a daily routine, cementing a level of dependence that’s not easily broken. “Those kids grew up during the pandemic when going online meant connection to teachers, friends and family, not just entertainment,” she explains. The Rogers program, which seeks to limit non-essential screen time for youth, is viewed by her and others as a tangible tool in a broader strategy for healthier daily rhythms.
What the program might change in daily life
For many households, the potential impact lies in structured goals rather than outright bans. Parents interviewed by reporters say they welcome simple, transparent rules that help them reclaim family time—without triggering resistance that can accompany strict restrictions. Experts emphasize that success hinges on collaboration: families should co-create boundaries, explain the rationale behind limits, and adapt them as children grow and their responsibilities evolve.
Digital-wellbeing researchers caution that any program must respect privacy and avoid punitive approaches. Dr. Maya Patel, a child psychologist and technology researcher, warns that coercive controls can backfire, increasing clandestine use or eroding trust. “A balanced plan that includes education about screen content, active listening, and shared decision-making is more likely to endure,” she says. The Rogers initiative is most effective when paired with parental guidance, consistent routines, and opportunities for meaningful offline activities.
Practical steps for families considering the program
- Start with a family conversation: what’s working, what isn’t, and where both sides can compromise.
- Establish predictable tech-free times, such as during meals and before bedtime, to protect sleep and family connection.
- Use age-appropriate goals: younger tweens may benefit from more structured limits, while teens can participate in setting boundaries around social media and gaming.
- Offer enticing offline alternatives: sports, clubs, arts, or volunteering can reduce the allure of constant online presence.
- Monitor as needed but emphasize transparency: explain what data is collected and why, reassuring kids their privacy is respected.
Parents also recognize that the spectrum of screen-related concerns goes beyond time counts. Content quality, online safety, cyberbullying, and the mental health impact of constant comparison are all critical considerations. A program that helps families differentiate between productive and recreational screen use is more likely to yield durable improvements than a blunt countdown of hours.
Why this matters beyond the household
As children become more competent digital natives, schools, communities, and employers increasingly expect digital literacy paired with healthy boundaries. A well-designed program can normalize conversations about screen time and empower youth to self-regulate, a skill that carries into adulthood. In communities where Rogers’ initiative gains traction, public awareness campaigns can reinforce these messages, helping families across socioeconomic lines access practical tools and support.
Looking ahead
While it remains early to judge the long-term impact of Rogers’ screen-time program, the immediate response from parents and experts is cautiously optimistic. By centering collaboration, privacy, and family-specific goals, this initiative could represent a meaningful first step toward balanced digital living for Canada’s youth.
