Jan. 01 0001
As we head into the holidays, it’s important to think about how much time we’ll spend on screens during this downtime. Time spent looking at our devices tends to increase during this period. The downside is that this can lead to social isolation and passive intake. However, with the right approach, screen time can be fun and beneficial. When used intentionally, digital tools can help build the literacy and skills that children, youth, and adults need to thrive.
At United for Literacy, we believe every place is a learning place, including online spaces. Here’s how to make screen time meaningful during the winter break.
Choose screen time that supports learning
Screen time doesn’t have to be wasted time. Choose digital activities that strengthen skills and spark curiosity. Websites like TVOKids and MediaSmarts offer children’s resources for:
Reading and words: interactive story games, word puzzles, or audiobooks with discussion.
Problem-solving and logic: coding games, logic puzzles, or math challenges.
Creativity: drawing apps, storytelling tools, or music-making games.
Numeracy: online math games, counting activities, or simple budgeting exercises.
Safe communication: guided forums, online safety modules, or games teaching respectful interaction.
High-quality content can spark curiosity and build confidence. The educational games created by MediaSmarts, Canada’s Centre for Digital Media Literacy balance fun and learning for children and teenagers. Some of these games also include information for parents, so you know what your child is learning while they play.
Balance screens with offline learning
How do you help your kids get the most out of their screen time? Try this simple, realistic approach:
Make screen time a family experience
Trips to the movie theatre, board games, or collaborative video games encourage problem-solving, decision-making, and thoughtful interaction. Watch or play together, then discuss: what did they like or dislike? Ask them about the characters, plot, or strategies. Focus on the specifics, not just the overall product, especially if you don’t like it. For example, explain why you don’t like wizards or quest stories rather than just saying, “I don’t like fantasy movies.”
Add reading, writing, or hands-on learning to your family’s daily activities
Children learn by example. Baking together, drawing, or exploring books and media with them strengthens literacy, math, and creativity.
Take breaks for stretching, movement, or outdoor time
Go skating, take a walk, dance, or try simple yoga moves. Even 10–15 minutes of reading daily helps learners stay engaged over the holidays.
Play games together and discuss choices and strategies
Games like chess, backgammon, Risk, and Ticket to Ride help kids learn strategy, math, and geography. Scrabble, Bananagrams, and Balderdash bring words to life. Tip: many games can be played in collaboration (e.g., use Scrabble tiles to create words together, form teams to decide on the best moves in Ticket to Ride)
Connect digital content to real-world activities
Break up your screen time with activities like books, play, and activities to keep young minds active. Check out the Canadian Children’s Book Centre for great fiction and non-fiction book ideas for young people. Look for suggestions that fit a genre (e.g., fantasy, science-fiction, romance) that interests your child. Explore together or go to your local library for more ideas.
Integrate discussion and other forms of media (e.g., art, books, music) to inspire curiosity, fire imagination, and help strengthen literacy, language, and critical thinking. Other possibilities include giving your child paper and crayons to draw their favourite characters; taking a trip to the library to find the graphic novel that inspired the game or movie; or finding the songs on the soundtrack and creating a playlist.
Why digital literacy matters
Digital literacy is more than just the ability to use your phone, laptop, or other devices. It includes necessary skills for people of all ages:
Finding reliable information
Learn how to spot misinformation and verify sources by using MediaSmarts’ Reality Check, which offers activities and tip sheets to practice this skill. https://mediasmarts.ca/digital-media-literacy/digital-issues/finding-and-verifying-information/reality-check
Navigating online platforms
Understand how different websites and apps work and how to use them safely and effectively.
Communicating safely and respectfully
Learn how to interact in a positive way. MediaSmarts has guides for parents and educators to support these conversations:
United for Literacy supports communities across Canada through programs that build strong literacy, digital, and foundational skills, helping every learner build confidence and opportunities for the future. If you’re looking for a program for your child or family member, please explore United for Literacy’s programs in your area or send us an email.
To find out more about media literacy for young people, including how to tell fact from fiction and find trustworthy sources, please read this interview with Autumn, a teenage fact-checker for MediaSmarts.
