Don't panic - five ways to stop your kids' endless scrolling

Don't panic - five ways to stop your kids' endless scrollingImage source, Getty ImagesByEmer MoreauBusiness reporterPublished26 March 2026Updated 1 minute agoIf you're a parent, you may have breathed a sigh of relief - or perhaps frustration - at the UK government's plans to implement an overnight social media curfew for 16 and 17-year-olds.It would see apps such as Instagram, TikTok and YouTube made unavailable by default to the teenagers - though they will be able to opt out of the curfew if they want.Features the government considers addictive such as auto-play videos and infinite scrolling will also be disabled under the plans, aimed at improving teenagers' focus, sleep quality and family life.We asked some parenting experts for their tips on how to pry those phones away from their offspring's hands – even if only for a short while.1. Start small and be realisticMany parents who have already given their children tablets or smartphones might wonder if the best thing is to just get rid of them. But that might not be the most productive option, believes child psychologist Dr Jane Gilmour."Changing a habit is always going to be hard," she says. Instead, she recommends implementing changes at a neutral moment, not in the heat of an argument about screen time. "Calm brains communicate best."A good first step to reducing screen time could be designating a set place in the home for devices, such as a particular cupboard."Have one place for chargers... so when the phones go away, they go on the charger and that's it."2. Be collaborativeOlder children and teenagers can benefit from being part of the conversation around screen time, rather than having rules imposed on them, says child psychologist Dr Maryhan Baker.Acknowledging the peer pressure surrounding social media can help get teens onside, she says, such as telling them: "I understand that that's where you connect with your friends. I underst...