July/August 2026 Hawaii Parent 117 any parents question how they are able to successfully navigate the digital world. As a parent/ family coach and mental fitness trainer, I’ve witnessed the stressful drama parents endure when setting technology boundaries. Screaming and tantrums easily destroy a family’s peace when video gaming privileges are taken away, inappropriate content on social media, or unsuitable text conversations are found. According to the CDC’s National Health Interview Survey in 2025, half of U.S. teens are spending four or more hours daily on screens, which is linked to anxiety, depression, and disrupted family routines. Younger children spend an average of two hours daily on digital devices. Although many parents are aware of this serious addiction, screens are often used as babysitters or part of their behavioral management incentives. Many parents have asked me the following questions. • How can we take digital devices away without starting a family war? • It’s impossible to monitor children every moment, so how do we limit video games and social media without tantrums? • What do we do when our child is being cyber-bullied? • What if my child watches inappropriate content? • How do parents help their child focus on homework, chores, and other responsibilities when they sneak in screen time? • Will digital addiction prevent my child from developing face-to-face social skills? Children may miss the opportunities to learn how to read facial expressions, understand voice inflections, or interpret body language. Texting has replaced verbal communication, which causes children to lack confidence when communicating face-to-face. I’ve witnessed children as young as five engaging in content unsuitable for their age. Games like Call of Duty, Grand Theft Auto, and Mortal Kombat may seem harmless, but they can influence young minds in normalizing violence. These video games are aimed at mature audiences and should be restricted to younger children. Setting digital limits may reduce the intense drama while navigating the sometimes scary reality of digital world addiction. Setting boundaries with consequences is the key to managing the growing addiction most children suffer from daily. M
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