Is screen time for children just lazy parenting?

Loading player...
On this week’s Great Drive Debate, we’re tackling a question that’s sitting in almost every household right now.

On one side of the argument, critics say screen time has become an easy default, a digital babysitter. It can replace meaningful interaction, limit creativity, and reduce opportunities for kids to develop social and emotional skills. The concern is that when screens become the go-to solution, parents may unintentionally disengage, missing out on crucial moments of connection, teaching, and growth.

But on the other side, many parents will tell you it’s not that simple. In a world where schedules are demanding and support systems aren’t always available, screen time can be a practical tool. It gives parents a moment to breathe, to work, or to reset, and when used intentionally, it can even be educational and enriching. For some, it’s not about laziness, it’s about balance and doing the best you can with the time and resources you have.

Here's what you had to say...
31 Mar English South Africa Society & Culture · Personal Journals

Other recent episodes

Fuel price increase for April 2026 confirmed

Just in this afternoon are that the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has confirmed that the fuel prices for April 2026 will be adjusted as follows: - Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP): Three Rands and six-cents per litre (R 3.06 per litre) increase. - Petrol 95 (ULP &LRP): Three…
31 Mar 6 min

Fuel shortage panic: Debunking myths in SA

Alright, let’s clear the air, because there’s been a lot of panic around a possible fuel shortage. Here’s what you actually need to know. Last week, Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, has urged South Africans not to panic. Despite global tensions and conflict in the Middle East,…
30 Mar 4 min

Bafana Bafana and the World Cup with sports lead Nick Tatham

As we build towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup, all eyes are on Bafana Bafana, and right now, it’s less about results and more about readiness. The first leg against the Panama national football team right here in Durban has already given us a glimpse into where this squad is…
31 Mar 4 min

Confession: New job, inappropriate comments, what do I do?

Every Thursday, we detail some of the wildest confessions from the streets of Mzansi. We get YOU to weigh in on your unfiltered thoughts. This week, the confession went a little like this: "I just started a new job, and the owner has already made a few inappropriate comments that…
26 Mar 8 min

What do you wish your team understood about what it really takes to lead?

Have you ever stopped to think about what your boss is actually juggling behind the scenes? We'd like to open up a conversation about what subordinates often don’t understand about being in leadership. It’s not just about giving orders or making decisions, leaders carry a weight of responsibility that can…
25 Mar 7 min