How to Limit Screen Time: A Practical Guide to Safer, More Intentional Social Media Use
How to Limit Screen Time?
How to limit screen time can feel like a big task. Social media use is filled with clicks, scrolls, and swipes often getting stuck in a loop. When thinking about the goal of limiting screen time, it means replacing the clicks, scrolls, and swipes with presence, awareness, and regulation. But how do we get there?
The Goal of Social Media
The goal of social media is often one of two things- distraction or connection. In recent years, social media has become a place of information and current events, creating more and more to sift through in an effort to find distraction or connection.
Not Inherently a Bad Thing
This is not inherently a bad thing- social media has increased awareness around social justice and created its own sense of community in social media activism. However, for many people, the information is overwhelming to their systems, creating more dysregulation, more feelings of “stuckness.”
Creating Balance and Boundaries
The goal then becomes creating a balance between taking in information on social media and staying informed and connected, while also creating more emotion regulation and safety. A way to do that is by setting boundaries. Boundaries are personal limits, physical and emotional parameters we can set to maintain our mental health and feelings of safety.
Predictability and Routine
When we set a boundary of only looking at social media at certain times, it creates predictability and routine around social media use- a signal to the body to expect and prepare itself for the potential dysregulation.
Comfort in Knowing What to Expect
There can be comfort in knowing what to expect.
Intentional Use Instead of Mindless Scrolling
Instead of mindlessly clicking, we create safety in the intention and predictability around opening up the apps and taking in overwhelming information.
Questions to Reflect On
Here are some questions to reflect on to assist in setting those personal boundaries:
Are there certain times of the day that feel best to contain social media use? Maybe before a shower? Before spending time with a friend?
Can there be a routine to implement before social media use? Taking a deep breath? Mentally setting expectations- knowing that there may be overwhelming information? Checking in with yourself- asking what you’re hoping to get out of your time on social media?
If this resonates with you, the therapists at Newbury Counseling & Consulting are here to support you. Together, we can help you build clearer boundaries, strengthen communication, and create a more balanced relationship with technology in your home and in your life.
Reach out today to schedule your free consultation and start this new chapter with steady support.
This blog was written by Abigail Serafin, LCSW for Newbury Counseling & Consulting 2026
