Day 5 of the Spooky Cyber Safety Challenge
10 days of fun and safety for families, today's topic: Finding Balance
Kae David & Chad Rychlewski
10/7/20252 min read


Today's Challenge: A Spooktacular Way to Balance Screen Time
When the moon is full, werewolves come out… and so do the screens! Phones, tablets, TVs, and game consoles can feel just as wild and hard to control as a pack of howling werewolves. That’s why today's challenge is the perfect time to put a little magic into your family’s tech routine.
The Werewolf Screen Time Balance Challenge is a fun, spooky way to help kids learn that technology should enhance life, not take over. With a sprinkle of Halloween spirit, families can create healthy digital habits while still enjoying the thrills of the season.
Why Screen-Time Balance Matters
Too much screen time can affect kids in surprising ways:
Sleep struggles – Blue light from devices makes it harder for kids to wind down.
Emotional overload – Endless scrolling or gaming can cause frustration, anxiety, or mood swings.
Missed connections – Real-life family moments are more meaningful than hours spent on devices.
Teaching balance early helps kids understand that technology is a tool, not a replacement for play, learning, or connection.
How the Challenge Works
The “Werewolf Screen Time Balance” activity is simple:
Set a spooky rule – Example: no more than 30 minutes on certain devices, or no screens after 7 p.m.
Track progress – Each day your child sticks to the plan, they mark a Halloween icon with a ✅.
Celebrate together – At the end of the week, reward the family with a fun non-screen activity like a pumpkin carving night or a glow-stick dance party.
Fun Tips for Parents to Keep It Engaging
Make it a family affair – Let kids help choose the daily limit so they feel ownership of the challenge.
Add spooky alternatives – Replace screen time with Halloween crafts, reading a mystery story together, or baking “monster cookies.”
Gamify it – Pretend each completed day “defeats a werewolf.” At the end of the challenge, your family earns the title of “Screen Time Monster Slayers.”
Offer bite-sized rewards – Kids love surprises! A sticker, an extra story at bedtime, or picking what’s for dinner can go a long way.
Final Thoughts
Cyber-smart parenting isn’t about banning devices, it’s about teaching balance. The “Werewolf Screen Time Balance” challenge makes screen-time limits fun instead of a battle, while sneaking in a little Halloween magic.
Try it this week, and you’ll not only tame the werewolves of too-much-screen-time, you’ll also create family memories worth more than any jump scare.
If you liked this post please check out our first book, Cyber-Smart Parenting: Protecting Your Child in the Digital Age ( Buy on Amazon #ad). In this book we discuss more topics and tactics you can use to protect your child online.

