Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri Shares How He Controls Screen Time for His Children

Post by : Saif Nasser

In a time when concerns about digital addiction and endless scrolling are growing, even the leaders of major social media platforms are thinking deeply about screen time. Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri recently spoke openly about how he manages screen use for his own children, offering a thoughtful and balanced approach that focuses on responsibility rather than strict control.

During a podcast conversation with It’s Called Soccer, Mosseri explained that screen time in his home is not given freely. His children enjoy video games, but they do not start the week with any screen access. Instead, they must earn it through effort and routine. According to him, this method helps teach discipline while avoiding unnecessary stress at home.

Mosseri shared that his children are required to complete three half-hour homework sessions during the week. If they finish all of them, they earn a total of 90 minutes of screen time on the weekend. He believes this system encourages consistency and gives children a clear understanding of effort and reward.

One important change Mosseri made as a parent was stopping the use of screen time as punishment. He admitted that earlier, when he took screens away as a disciplinary step, it often made things worse. His children became upset and their behavior did not improve. This experience led him to rethink his strategy.

Instead of taking something away, Mosseri decided to start from zero screen time and allow his children to earn it. He feels this approach is calmer and more effective. It reduces emotional stress and helps children stay regulated, while still setting clear boundaries.

However, Mosseri also admitted that there are moments when rules become flexible. Travel is one such situation. He joked that during long flights, normal limits do not apply. In those moments, screens become a practical tool to help everyone get through the journey peacefully.

Mosseri’s parenting style reflects a growing belief among many families today. Rather than banning screens completely, parents are trying to guide children toward healthy habits. Structure, balance, and understanding emotions are becoming more important than strict rules.

What makes Mosseri’s views especially interesting is that he leads one of the world’s most powerful social media platforms. His approach shows that even those who create digital products understand the need for limits at home. His message is clear: screens are not the enemy, but how they are used matters.

As families around the world continue to navigate life in a digital age, Mosseri’s method offers a simple idea. Teach balance, reward effort, and focus on emotional well-being instead of fear or punishment.