Is this assessment clinically validated?

This assessment is based on 12 years working in schools and personal experience recovering from problematic screen use — not clinical research. For formal diagnosis, consult a mental health professional.

How accurate is a 2-minute quiz?

No quiz replaces professional assessment. But these 8 questions identify patterns I've seen repeatedly working with families. Multiple warning signs are worth taking seriously.

Screen Time Warning Signs

This interactive assessment requires JavaScript to function. The quiz evaluates these key warning signs:

Screen time exceeding 4-6 hours daily
Major conflict when asked to stop using screens
Lost interest in activities they used to enjoy
Sleep disruption from late-night screen use
Mood swings linked to screen access
Breaking or defying screen time rules
Declining school performance

If you're seeing multiple signs, visit the Screen Time Help page or book a session to discuss your situation.

2-Minute Check

Is Your Child's Screen Time a Problem?

Q: What happens after I complete the assessment?

You'll receive one of three results: Manageable Range, Warning Signs Present, or Serious Concern. Each includes guidance and the option to book a session for personalised help.

8 questions. No judgement. Just clarity on what you're seeing at home.

The Washington Post 12 Years in Schools Recovered from Addiction

By Daniel Towle — Screen Time Specialist

2 minutes 8 questions Personal result

No email required. No account. Instant result.

Question 1 of 8 0%

Question 1 of 8

On a typical day, how much screen time does your child have (excluding school)?

Under 2 hours

2-4 hours

4-6 hours

Over 6 hours or "I'm not sure"

Question 2 of 8

What typically happens when you say it's time to put screens away?

They stop without much fuss

Some negotiation, but they comply

Regular arguments or resistance

Meltdowns, aggression, or refusal

Question 3 of 8

When your child isn't using screens, how much do they think or talk about them?

Rarely — they're engaged in other things

Sometimes — it comes up but isn't constant

Often — screens are a frequent topic

Constantly — it's all they want to talk about

Question 4 of 8

How well does your child follow your screen time rules?

Generally follows the rules we've set

Pushes boundaries but respects them

Regularly breaks or works around rules

Ignores, lies about, or defies rules

Question 5 of 8

How does your child behave when screens aren't available?

Fine — finds other things to do

A bit restless or bored at first

Irritable, complains, struggles to settle

Anxious, angry, or can't function without them

Question 6 of 8

Has screen time replaced activities your child used to enjoy?

No — they still have varied interests

A bit — some activities have faded

Noticeably — they mainly want screens now

Almost completely — nothing else interests them

Question 7 of 8

Is screen time affecting your child's sleep, schoolwork, or family relationships?

No noticeable impact

Minor issues in one area

Clear problems in one or more areas

Significant impact across multiple areas

Question 8 of 8

Overall, how worried are you about your child's screen use?

Just checking — things seem fine

Mildly concerned — want to stay ahead of problems

Quite worried — something feels wrong

Very worried — this is affecting our family

Analysing your answers

Building your personalised result

Analysing your answers

Building your personalised result

Screen Time Assessment

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Digital Family Coach

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You're Not Overreacting. These Are Real Warning Signs.

You have probably tried time limits. Probably tried the "five more minutes" warning that somehow always turns into thirty. Maybe you took the device away and the meltdown that followed made you wonder if the cure was worse than the problem. Maybe you set rules that held for a week before quietly dissolving.

The mornings start with a screen request before they are even dressed. Homework gets done with half their attention on what they are missing. They used to draw, or ride their bike, or build things — now if the screen is off, they are just killing time until the screen is on. Bedtime is a negotiation you are losing more often than winning.

You have probably asked yourself: "Is this just normal now? Every kid is like this, right?" Not like this. These patterns do not plateau — they accelerate. But this is also the stage where the right changes work fastest. Most families who make adjustments at this point see a real difference within weeks, not months. You are not too late. You are actually right on time.

Daniel Towle

Screen Time Specialist • 12 years in schools • Featured in Washington Post

"After 12 years in schools, I have watched children pick up a device for five minutes and look up an hour later wondering where the time went. Your child is dealing with a pull that is designed to hold them, and their brain is still building the brakes. That is not a willpower problem. That is a design problem."

"If your child has ADHD, autism, or other additional needs, some of these patterns look similar but the drivers are different. After 12 years working with SEN children in schools, I know it requires a different approach — and we would factor that in from the start."

Book a Session With Daniel

£75 UK · $95 international · 45-min video consultation

45-minute video call Built around your family No waiting list

Or start with the free Screen Time Help Guide →

Your Concerns Are Valid. This Needs Attention Now.

You have probably tried everything. Time limits that get ignored. Taking the device away — followed by screaming, door-slamming, or the silent treatment that lasts hours. Parental controls that they bypassed within a week. Maybe you have tried being patient, tried being firm, tried both on the same day. Nothing sticks.

The mornings start with a screen request before they are even dressed. Dinner happens with one eye on a device. You might have found them under the covers at midnight, screen glowing. Activities they used to love have gone. Friends they used to see have faded. It feels like you are losing them to a rectangle.

This is not a parenting failure. TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat — every one of those apps is optimised by thousands of engineers to keep your child scrolling. Infinite feeds, autoplay, notification loops — all fine-tuned for maximum engagement. Your child is not weak. They are facing technology that most adults cannot resist either.

Daniel Towle

Screen Time Specialist • 12 years in schools • Featured in Washington Post

"After 12 years working with children and families in schools, I have built a system that addresses what is actually driving the behaviour — not the symptom. That system is what I share with families."

"If you have tried parental controls, time limits, taking devices away, or therapy — and nothing stuck — that is not because you failed. Those approaches tackle the symptom. They do not address what is actually driving the behaviour. That is where we start — and it does shift. Most families see a real change within weeks, once the right things are in place."

"If your child has ADHD or autism, the approach is different. After 12 years in schools I have worked closely with neurodivergent children and we would factor that in from day one."

Book a Session With Daniel

£75 UK · $95 international · 45-min video consultation

No waiting list Built around your specific situation Action plan you can start tonight

Or start with the free Screen Time Help Guide →

This check identifies patterns in screen use — it is not a medical diagnosis. If you have concerns about your child's mental health, speak to your GP.

Created by Daniel Towle — Screen Time Specialist — 12 years in schools — Featured in The Washington Post

How do I know if my child's screen time is a problem?

Warning signs include difficulty stopping, lost interest in other activities, sleep disruption, mood changes when screens are not available, breaking rules around screens, and declining school performance.

What is the difference between healthy screen use and problematic screen time?

Healthy screen use complements life. Problematic use replaces it — affecting sleep, relationships, school, and mood. The key question: can they stop when needed without major conflict?

What happens after I complete the assessment?

You receive one of three results: Manageable Range, Warning Signs Present, or Serious Concern. Each includes specific guidance and the option to book a session for personalised help.

Last updated: April 2026