Experts: Back-to-school is the moment to talk to children about screen time after summer over-exposure

As millions of children return to school this week after a summer of heightened online use, child-safety experts are urging parents to take advantage of the transition to open conversations about screen time, smartphone ownership and online risks.

The end of the summer holidays is a natural point to reset routines and expectations, advocates say, at a moment when many parents feel increased pressure to give older children smartphones for convenience, to track their whereabouts or to keep them in touch with friends and family. Thousands of children will be starting secondary school for the first time this September, a milestone that frequently prompts families to consider whether to hand over a device.

Emma Robertson, co-founder of Digital Awareness UK, which works with Vodafone to promote safer use of technology, said the autumn return offers an important window for parents and carers. A mother of three, Robertson said she is relieved not to be having phone-ownership talks with her youngest children yet but recognises the conversations are inevitable.

Robertson recommended parents "always talk to your children about digital devices and the risks and rewards of being online," stressing that early, ongoing dialogue is central to helping children develop safe habits. Digital Awareness UK provides resources aimed at equipping parents and carers with information and tools to manage devices, set boundaries and understand privacy settings.

Experts point to several practical steps families can take when discussing devices and screen time. They advise setting clear household rules about when and where devices may be used, agreeing on reasonable daily limits, and designating tech-free times such as during meals and before bedtime. Parents are also encouraged to use built-in parental controls and privacy settings, to review app permissions, and to discuss how to spot and respond to online bullying, scams and inappropriate content.

Campaigners emphasise the importance of framing conversations around responsibility rather than punishment. Allowing children to earn increased freedom online as they demonstrate understanding of safety, privacy and respectful behaviour can help integrate digital literacy into broader parenting and educational goals.

Researchers and child welfare groups have linked excessive screen use to disrupted sleep and heightened anxiety in some children, and advocates say the back-to-school transition is a timely moment to address those risks. Digital Awareness UK and partners recommend parents model balanced device use themselves and maintain open lines of communication so children feel able to report problems.

As children move into new school environments and social networks change, experts say technology conversations should be revisited regularly. Rather than a single decision about whether to give a child a phone, specialists recommend an evolving dialogue that aligns device privileges with age-appropriate responsibilities and parental oversight.

With many families negotiating the return to structured routines, campaigners hope the start of term will prompt practical, informed discussions that help children navigate the online world safely and responsibly.