Parents urged to replace teen screen time with family activities to improve wellbeing

Parenting experts recommend that families create richer, screen‑free experiences to counter the pull of smartphones and social media on children. Erin Loechner, author of *Iskopčana obitelj*, argues that shared meals, evening reading, board games, outdoor time and cooking can make screens a less attractive option. She stresses the importance of regular family rituals, allowing boredom to spark creativity, and modeling balanced technology habits for children.

Psychologists add that adolescents’ happiness is most threatened by dependence on external validation, negative thought patterns, poor grades, social rejection and constant social‑media pressure. Professionals suggest parents shift praise toward virtues such as kindness, curiosity and resilience, encourage self‑directed play, and set realistic expectations to reduce anxiety and depressive risk.