9 ways to take control of your screen time 

So, as part of our #CuckooUnwired campaign, we want to help you take back a little control and remind you that there’s a whole IRL world out there too. So whenever you’re ready, start scrolling... 

Boundaries, we all need them. And if you haven't set any yet, chances are you're on your phone more often than not. Start off with a no screens during mealtimes rule and build up to no screens an hour before bed. Patience and persistence are key. Remember the 21/90 rule – it takes 21 days to make a habit and 90 days for it to become a permanent part of our lives. 

Which areas of your home can become screen-free? Nominate bathroom. 🚽

Yes, we get it, it can be boring in there, but do you need to scroll through TikTok at the same time? And if being alone with your thoughts is too terrifying, try leaving a good old-fashioned magazine or book in there.

Follow the 20-20-20 rule to give your eyes a much-needed break from relentless screentime. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. And this isn't just good for your eyes; it’s a sneaky way to give your brain a breather too. 

Start a book club, take up birdwatching or summon your inner Tom Daley and get a knitting kit. Anything that keeps you off the screens and pulls you into the real world. Your brain will get a different kind of stimulation, and you might even learn something new.  

If you don’t have an abundant amount of self-discipline (and, er, who does?) you can use your broadband router to help out. As a Cuckoo customer, you can create a profile on your eero and set schedules that turn off your signal at specific times of the day. 

There are also apps that can help. Forest, Moment, or Screen Time are particularly good. Plus, watching a virtual tree grow instead of plummeting to the depths of your Insta feed is strangely satisfying. 

Just like going to gym, having a friend to keep you accountable makes you much more likely to hit your goals. So whether it’s your BFF, partner, or that coworker who’s also looking to cut down on screen time, buddy up and help each other out.  

Fresh air is nature’s anti-screen remedy. No really, it’s science. Spending just a week in nature (or any urban green space) is proven to help you feel better inside and out. 

It’s easy to forget that the world outside your screen is full of good stuff. So go and enjoy those trees, birds and random dogs who want belly rubs – they're all waiting for you. 

Pop some time in your diaries for family time without screen time. Play board games, cook a meal, or just have a nice long chat. You’ll not only connect in deeper and more meaningful ways, you’ll have fun too (so long as you avoid Monopoly). 

Lastly, don’t beat yourself up if and when you have a slip up. It happens to all of us. Getting your screen time to a healthier place is a journey, and it doesn’t happen overnight. Keep a journal or record of when you nail it, celebrate the small victories and above all, just keep at it. Good luck!

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and watch as our unwired campaign unfolds...just not during a screen-free time, remember your ground rules!