Is Homework Competing With TikTok? Let’s Talk Screen Boundaries
If it feels like every homework session at your house slowly turns into a scrolling session… you’re not imagining it.
Homework and screens are frenemies at best.
On one hand, kids genuinely do need technology for:
Google Classroom
Research
Typing papers
Online platforms and portals
On the other hand… we have:
YouTube
Games
Group chats
Notifications every 12 seconds
Let’s talk about how to protect focus, without turning into the Wi-Fi police.
Why Screens Make Homework So Much Harder
Our brains, especially kids’ and teens’ brains, are wired to seek:
Novelty
Quick rewards
Easy dopamine hits
Schoolwork rarely offers those as fast as a notification does. So even a silent phone in the room can cut focus dramatically.
This isn’t about willpower. It’s about brain wiring.
Create “Focus Zones” and “Freedom Zones”
Instead of framing it as punishment (“No devices ever!”), think in terms of time zones and physical zones.
Focus Zones (for work):
Phone stays in another room (or with you)
Only tabs needed for work are open
TV and background videos are off
Timer is set for a short work block (20–30 minutes)
Freedom Zones (for breaks + leisure):
After work is done
Or during planned 10–15 minute breaks
Intentionally chosen content (not just endless scrolling)
You’re not anti-tech. You’re pro-boundaries.
For Kids with ADHD or Executive Function Challenges
Some kids truly need:
Extra structure
Visual timers
Fewer decisions
Gentle accountability
You might try:
A visible timer (Time Timer-style or a phone timer… but in another room)
Check-ins: “What are you working on for this block?”
Splitting screens: laptop for school only, tablet/phone for fun only
External supports like:
Website blockers (Freedom, ColdTurkey, etc.)
Browser profiles, one for school, one for everything else
Private tutoring can also help by:
Providing a dedicated focus space and time weekly
Modeling what deeply focused work looks like
Giving kids the experience of, “Oh wow, I actually can concentrate.”
Need a Neutral Third Party?
Sometimes, kids hear “You’re on your phone too much” from us and instantly shut down.
Having a tutor calmly say:
“Hey, let’s park your phone over here during our session, see how it feels to get this done faster?”
…lands very differently.
If you’d like support introducing structure around screens, homework, and focus, I’d love to help.
👉 Schedule a free consultation, and we’ll build a custom homework + tech plan that works with your child’s brain, not against it.
