In wake of coronavirus, families need new rules to limit screen time

Hours of messing around online, watching videos and gaming: The pandemic has brought new digital freedoms to many children. — Silvia Marks/dpa

Studies around the world have, unsurprisingly, pointed to a surge in screen time among young children and adolescents during the pandemic. To reduce the risk of addiction, one digital media coach is calling on parents to draw up a screen-time "contract" with their children.

The Internet gives children and adolescents access to an almost endless supply of information and opportunity for interaction. Hours can fly by as they play games, watch videos or chat on social media platforms. Not surprisingly, their Internet use has risen sharply in many places during the novel coronavirus pandemic.