“She wasn’t herself anymore…”
That’s how one parent described her daughter when she reached out to our team at Blessing Law—not with a legal question, but with a story that was both heartbreaking and hopeful.
She wrote: “Not long ago, my bright, joyful daughter became a shadow of herself, gaining weight, withdrawing, losing her light. I eventually realized that too much screen time was a big part of the problem, something I only understood after reading this article. Your piece—this blog on co-parenting and mobile technology—also gave me real hope and tools to help her heal.”
For this parent, understanding the impact of digital habits provided both clarity and a sense of direction. She also realized that unresolved disagreements with her co-parent about devices, apps, and digital routines were compounding the problem.
If you’re navigating similar concerns, you’re not alone. Many families across Pennsylvania are asking important questions:
- How much screen time is appropriate for a child?
- What if co-parents can’t agree on device use?
- Can technology guidelines be part of a parenting plan?
This blog explores how screen time and co-parenting in Pennsylvania intersect, what the law allows, and how you can create a plan that supports your child’s well-being, whether you’re parenting together or apart.
Understanding the Impact of Screen Time on Children
Technology is now part of daily life for most families, and children are no exception. While digital tools can be helpful, overexposure (especially without consistent boundaries) can disrupt healthy development.
Here’s what current child development research shows:
Excessive screen time has been associated with:
- Sleep disruption and difficulty concentrating
- Anxiety, mood changes, and emotional outbursts
- Delays in language, learning, and social development
- Physical inactivity and related health concerns
- Reduced in-person engagement with family and peers
These effects can vary by age, but when screen time begins to replace interactive play, physical activity, and consistent family routines, it may contribute to emotional or behavioral challenges.
This is why co-parents should aim for shared expectations around technology, even when parenting from separate households.
When Screen Time Becomes a Source of Co-Parenting Conflict
New parenting challenges emerge after a separation or divorce. One of the most common issues families raise today is technology.
At Blessing Law, we often assist parents who express concerns about:
- One household allowing unrestricted device use, while the other enforces strict limits
- Conflicts surrounding access to apps, social media platforms, or YouTube
- Differences in expectations for communication, screen supervision, or monitoring tools
When each household has different rules, children may feel confused or attempt to navigate the gap between parents. Over time, this inconsistency can affect their behavior, sleep, or school performance, and may also contribute to co-parenting tension.
If these challenges persist or begin to affect a child’s well-being, legal guidance may help ensure everyone is working from a shared framework.
Legal Custody and Technology Use in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, custody is generally divided into two categories:
- Legal custody refers to the authority to make major decisions about a child’s welfare. This includes education, medical care, and often digital rules or device use.
- Physical custody relates to the child’s day-to-day care and living arrangements.
When parents share legal custody, as many do in Pennsylvania, they are expected to jointly make significant decisions affecting their child’s life. This includes setting consistent technology boundaries and deciding how devices and online communication should be managed.
If disagreements arise and one parent feels that digital access is interfering with the child’s well-being or education, a modification of the parenting agreement may be necessary.
Practical Steps for Managing Screen Time as Co-Parents
Creating structure around technology can reduce stress and promote better outcomes for children. Here are several practical options:
Include Digital Guidelines in Your Parenting Plan
You can incorporate age-appropriate tech expectations into your custody agreement, such as:
- Daily screen time limits for school days and weekends
- Agreed-upon apps, games, or platforms
- Technology-free routines (like meals or bedtime)
- Consistent communication rules, including video calls or texting
Your existing parenting plan can be revised to reflect your child’s evolving needs and your shared digital expectations.
Use Co-Parenting Technology Tools
Apps like OurFamilyWizard, Cozi, or 2Houses make it easier for co-parents to share and document routines, communicate clearly, and track agreements about screen time and scheduling.
Monitor Behavioral or Emotional Changes
If your child seems more irritable, withdrawn, or overstimulated than usual, screen use could be playing a role. Being attentive to these signs can help both parents intervene early and constructively.
Plan for Teen-Specific Risks
As children mature, technology concerns may shift. For older children and teens, co-parents may need to address:
- Cyberbullying or social media pressure
- Online safety, privacy, or inappropriate messaging
- Gaming addiction or in-app purchases
Your parenting plan should remain flexible enough to adjust as your child grows.
Common Questions About Custody and Technology
1. Can screen time rules be part of a custody agreement?
Yes. Legal custody includes decision-making about your child’s daily life, and technology is often a relevant area to address.
2. What if the other parent doesn’t follow the plan?
If violations become a pattern and affect the child’s stability, you may be able to request enforcement or a legal modification. It’s important to document concerns and seek guidance early.
3. Can online behavior impact a custody case?
In some situations, yes. A parent’s failure to monitor or appropriately guide a child’s digital activity may be considered by the court when determining the child’s best interests.
Supporting Children in a Digital Age
At Blessing Law, we know how overwhelming parenting can feel, especially when technology adds new layers to co-parenting dynamics. But it’s also an opportunity to work together for your child’s benefit.
When parents focus on creating shared routines and consistent expectations, particularly around digital habits, children tend to feel more secure and supported. It isn’t about perfection. It’s about both parents contributing their strengths and communicating in a way that keeps the child out of the middle.
Maribeth Blessing, a Pennsylvania family law attorney and trained arbitrator through the American Bar Association, understands how digital issues can complicate even the most well-intended parenting plans. She and the Blessing Law team help families structure co-parenting arrangements that reflect the realities of today’s world, while prioritizing what children need most: stability, emotional safety, and the support of both parents working as a team.
When You’re Ready, We’re Here to Support Your Family’s Next Steps
If screen time has become a source of stress between households—or you’re simply looking for guidance on how to support your child in a changing digital world—Blessing Law is here to help.
We work with parents across Montgomery County, Bucks County, and Southeastern Pennsylvania to build parenting plans that reflect each child’s needs, reduce tension, and encourage both parents to stay involved and connected.
Every family deserves a path forward that honors cooperation, not conflict. Let’s talk about what that might look like for yours. Call our office today or fill out our contact form to schedule a confidential consultation.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance tailored to your specific situation, please contact a licensed Pennsylvania family law attorney.