10 ways to build healthy digital habits at home

MALAYSIA, 27 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

Malaysian Parents Urged to Adopt Structured Approach to Digital Habits as Screen Time Rises Among Youth

The advice comes as Malaysian households grapple with rising digital consumption, particularly among adolescents, where social media and online gaming have become dominant leisure activities. Nesi’s approach emphasizes proactive communication over restrictive measures, arguing that punitive responses—such as device confiscation—often discourage children from seeking help when facing online risks. Instead, she advocates for a collaborative model where parents and children co-navigate digital spaces, setting clear "yes" and "no" rules while fostering trust through transparency.

Nesi’s first recommendation is for parents to treat technology use as they would any other activity, asking children about their preferences, frequency of use, and concerns. "Find out what they like about [devices], what they don’t like about them, how often they use them, and what’s working," she advises. This open-ended inquiry helps parents identify underlying issues, such as social anxiety or academic stress, which may manifest as excessive screen time.

For instance, a teen repeatedly refreshing social media feeds may signal insecurity about peer approval, Nesi notes, urging parents to probe beyond surface-level behaviors.

A critical component of her strategy is addressing risks openly. Nesi stresses the importance of normalizing discussions about online dangers, from cyberbullying to inappropriate content, while reassuring children that parents are approachable. "It can be really tough to know how to deal with every situation that comes up when you're online," she suggests parents say.

"You might run into things that are confusing or upsetting, and I want you to come to me when you run into these things so that we can figure out how to deal with them together." She cautions against immediate reactions like device removal, instead advocating for acknowledgment: "Thank you so much for telling me that." This response, she argues, encourages repeat disclosures, which are for early intervention.

To balance autonomy with safety, Nesi proposes "yes" and "no" rules tailored to age and maturity. "Yes" rules define positive digital behavior, such as respectful online interactions or age-appropriate content consumption, while "no" rules prohibit harmful actions like sharing personal information or engaging in cyberbullying. She emphasizes that mistakes are part of learning, and families should avoid punitive measures when children disclose challenges.

"For some families, it can be helpful to let your child know that they will not be ‘in trouble’ if they come to you with any challenges they are having and are honest with you," she states.

Physical boundaries are another key tactic. Nesi recommends designating tech-free zones, such as bedrooms during sleep hours, to prioritize rest and family time. "Sleep is super important, and devices can get in the way of that," she warns, suggesting a "docking station" for devices outside children’s rooms at night.

Additionally, she advises parents to pre-approve new apps or platforms for younger users and leverage parental controls to filter content, restrict in-app purchases, and limit screen time.

Active engagement with children’s digital lives is central to Nesi’s approach. She encourages co-viewing—watching shows or playing games together—and older children showing parents their online activities. "Have them show you what they’re up to online—what they’re interested in, what apps they like to use," she says. This not only builds trust but also allows parents to guide children toward safer, more productive digital habits.

Monitoring should be age-appropriate, Nesi clarifies, with closer oversight for younger children or those new to devices. As children mature, parents can gradually grant independence while maintaining awareness. "It is always important though to be generally aware of what they’re doing online," she notes, stressing that transparency should be mutual.

Nesi also highlights the need for parents to model healthy tech use. "It’s important as parents to be aware of how (and how often) we’re using our own devices," she says, framing digital boundaries as a shared challenge rather than a parental imposition. By presenting technology as a team effort—"us together versus the challenges inherent in these technologies"—parents can reduce resistance and foster collective responsibility.

Finally, she advocates for playful, constructive tech use. Families can explore apps, games, or videos together, from cooking tutorials to musical experiments, turning screen time into collaborative learning experiences. "There are so many ways to use technology to facilitate play and fun opportunities with your children," she observes.

Dr. Jacqueline Nesi, an assistant professor at Brown University’s Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, is a leading authority on adolescent digital well-being. Her research focuses on social media’s impact on mental health, and she is the author of the Techno Sapiens newsletter and co-creator of the Tech Without Stress parenting course. Her recommendations align with UNICEF Malaysia’s broader efforts to support families in managing digital risks while harnessing technology’s educational and social benefits.

As Malaysian policymakers and educators increasingly address youth digital engagement, Nesi’s strategies offer a practical roadmap for parents seeking to strike a balance between safety and connectivity. With screen time showing no signs of decline, her emphasis on dialogue, boundaries, and shared responsibility provides a scalable solution for households across the region.

Related: Dr. Jacqueline Nesi · Malaysia