Reducing Screen Time Through Play Therapy

A Healthier Way to Connect

In today’s world, many parents are feeling overwhelmed trying to figure out how to manage screen time. I hear it often in my San Luis Obispo office. Parents are worried about attention span, struggling to keep kids off devices, and looking for support. As a play therapist and child therapist serving the Central Coast, I help families find realistic, connection-based solutions.

When children rely too much on screens, their creativity, emotional regulation, and ability to focus can suffer. Research shows excessive screen use in early childhood is linked to developmental delays, sleep issues, and increased anxiety. But this doesn’t mean you have to eliminate screens entirely. It means creating balance and offering healthier alternatives.

Why Play Therapy Helps

Play therapy gives children a screen-free space to explore, express emotions, and build problem-solving skills. In non-directive play therapy, the child leads the way. This helps them develop internal motivation and emotional resilience. Over time, kids who engage in therapeutic play often need less screen time because they’ve found other ways to self-soothe, express themselves, and feel seen.

When children have meaningful opportunities to play, if that’s with a therapist, with their parents, or on their own, they start to gravitate less toward passive screen use. Their attention span improves, and so does their overall mood and behavior.

A Practical Path for Families

If you’re a parent seeking support with how to manage screen time, or if you're noticing your child is becoming dependent on devices, play therapy might be a helpful path forward. I offer both individual sessions and parent education here in San Luis Obispo to support families in creating calmer, more connected home routines.

Let’s work together to build a healthier rhythm that supports your child’s development, both on and off the screen.

References

Child’s Play Therapy Center. (n.d.). Screen time dilemmas. Retrieved from https://childsplaytherapycenter.com/screen-time-dilemmas/

Play Therapy Podcast. (2022, August 22). When kids don’t play: Screen time or something else? Retrieved from https://www.playtherapypodcast.com/when-kids-dont-play-screen-time-or-something-else/

Play Therapy Podcast. (2022, September 5). The addiction we’re ignoring: Screen time and child mental health. Retrieved from https://www.playtherapypodcast.com/the-addiction-were-ignoring-screen-time-and-child-mental-health/

Koukourikos, K., Tsaloglidou, A., Mpouzika, M., Paschali, A., Kourkouta, L., & Kourkouti, A. (2022). The benefits of play therapy in children with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Materia Socio Medica, 34(1), 60–63. https://doi.org/10.5455/msm.2022.34.60-63

Ensora Health. (n.d.). Non-directive play therapy techniques. Retrieved from https://ensorahealth.com/blog/non-directive-play-therapy-techniques/

Play Strong Institute. (n.d.). What is non-directive play therapy? Retrieved from https://playstronginstitute.com/play-therapy/complete-guide/theory/types-of-play-therapy/what-is-non-directive-play-therapy