Schools in several U.S. states, including Ohio, Colorado, Vermont, and Michigan, are introducing smartphone bans to help students focus on their studies. These policies aim to reduce distractions and encourage better concentration during class time. Meanwhile, research from the entertainment platform Lingokids shows that children often experience a sharp increase in screen time during the summer months, raising concerns about how to ease back into a routine with less screen use when school resumes. According to the therapy center Grateful Care ABA, nearly half of American parents believe their child may have a smartphone addiction, which can lead to issues like depression, obesity, and poor sleep. Experts warn that taking away a child's phone abruptly could be harmful. Smartphones can offer social connections, entertainment, and a way to cope with stress, according to the Child Mind Institute, a non-profit organization focused on children's mental health. Dr. Siggie Cohen, a child development specialist, emphasizes that giving children time to adjust to changes in screen time is important, and pushback from kids doesn't automatically mean the new rules are wrong. Dr. Sarah Edwards, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, adds that communication is key when reducing screen time. She suggests involving children in the decision-making process and planning the transition well in advance, rather than making sudden changes. A practical first step in reducing screen time is to create a schedule with the child and brainstorm ways to avoid digital distractions, says digital wellness educator Julia Storm. A visual timetable can help children understand why their screen time needs to decrease as their daily routines become more complex. This schedule might include setting limits on phone use throughout the day, encouraging children to put their phones away during meals, car rides, and before bedtime. Sleep is especially important for brain development, and nighttime phone use can interfere with rest. Studies from the National Institutes of Health show that children who don't get enough sleep may experience changes in brain structure and mood issues. Creating screen-free zones in bedrooms and shared family areas can help reduce negative health impacts and improve family relationships, according to Scripps Health, a San Diego-based health system. In common areas like the living room or kitchen, replacing phone use with creative activities such as baking or arts and crafts is encouraged. Dr. Nick DeBlasio, Medical Director at Cincinnati Children's Pediatric Primary Care Center, suggests that reducing phone access doesn't have to be an "all or nothing" approach. He notes that there can be flexibility, such as allowing 30 minutes of screen time after school or requiring homework to be completed first. Some smartphone apps can help teens manage their screen time more effectively, according to Dr. Catherine Steiner-Adair, author of The Big Disconnect. Apps like Rescue Time and Freedom allow users to track phone use and block certain websites. Dr. Danielle Grant, a pediatrician, also points out that not all screen time is the same. Activities that promote learning, creativity, and skill development can be beneficial. For example, educational games or social interactions through screens can support a child's social and cognitive development.