X Tables
Screen Time Maths

Daily Limits maths mission

A junior real-world challenge using daily limits to practise time without feeling like a worksheet.

Quick answer

By setting and tracking daily limits for screen time, you can learn to manage time better and understand how much time you spend on devices each day.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to:
  • Set a daily screen time limit for yourself
  • Track how much time you spend on screens each day
  • Use addition and subtraction to work out how much time you have left
  • Understand how to manage your time better

Why this matters

Managing your screen time helps you to:
  • Stay healthy by taking breaks from screens
  • Make time for other fun things like playing, reading, or drawing
  • Learn how to plan and manage your time
  • Be responsible with your time and choices

How it works

To do a Daily Limits maths mission, you:
  1. Decide how many minutes you want to spend on screens each day
  2. Keep track of how much time you use
  3. Use addition and subtraction to see how much time you have left
  4. Adjust your limits if needed

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine you have a daily screen time limit of 60 minutes.
  • If you use 20 minutes in the morning, you have 60 – 20 = 40 minutes left
  • If you use 15 minutes in the afternoon, you have 40 – 15 = 25 minutes left
  • If you use 30 minutes in the evening, you have 25 – 30 = -5 minutes, which means you’ve gone over your limit
You can also use a number line to help you:
  • Start at 60 minutes
  • Move back 20 minutes (60 – 20 = 40)
  • Move back 15 minutes (40 – 15 = 25)
  • Move back 30 minutes (25 – 30 = -5)

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: The Screen Time Challenge You are a time detective! Your mission is to manage your screen time wisely so you can have fun, stay healthy, and still enjoy your devices. Step 1: Decide your daily screen time limit – maybe 60 minutes or 90 minutes. Step 2: At the start of the day, write down how much time you have left. Step 3: Every time you use a screen, write down how many minutes you used. Step 4: Use subtraction to find out how much time you have left. Step 5: At the end of the day, check if you stayed within your limit. Step 6: If you went over, think about how you can manage better next time. Example: You set a limit of 75 minutes.
  • Used 20 minutes in the morning
  • Used 15 minutes in the afternoon
  • Used 30 minutes in the evening
  • Total used: 20 + 15 + 30 = 65 minutes
  • Time left: 75 – 65 = 10 minutes

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Forgetting to write down how much time you use.
    Why it happens: It’s easy to forget when you’re having fun.
    Fix: Use a timer or a chart to help you remember.
  • Mistake: Adding up the time instead of subtracting.
    Why it happens: You might get confused about what you're trying to find.
    Fix: Remember: if you have 60 minutes and use 20, you subtract: 60 – 20 = 40.
  • Mistake: Thinking you can use more than your limit.
    Why it happens: You might not understand the concept of a limit.
    Fix: Use a visual chart or a timer to show your limit clearly.

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help by:
  • Choosing a screen time limit that’s right for your child (e.g., 30 minutes, 60 minutes, or 90 minutes)
  • Using a chart or a timer to help your child track time
  • Encouraging your child to check their time using subtraction
  • Letting your child adjust their limit if needed
  • Practising with your child to make it fun and not like a chore

Practice questions

  1. You have a 60-minute screen time limit. You used 25 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the afternoon. How much time do you have left?
  2. You set a 90-minute limit. You used 30 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes in the evening. How much time do you have left?
  3. You have a 45-minute limit. You used 10 minutes in the morning, 15 minutes in the afternoon, and 20 minutes in the evening. How much time do you have left?
  4. You set a 120-minute limit. You used 40 minutes in the morning and 35 minutes in the afternoon. How much time do you have left?
  5. You have a 75-minute limit. You used 20 minutes in the morning, 25 minutes in the afternoon, and 30 minutes in the evening. Did you go over your limit?
Answers:
  1. 60 – 25 – 15 = 20 minutes left
  2. 90 – 30 – 20 = 40 minutes left
  3. 45 – 10 – 15 – 20 = 0 minutes left
  4. 120 – 40 – 35 = 45 minutes left
  5. 20 + 25 + 30 = 75 minutes. You did not go over your limit.

FAQ

What is a daily screen time limit?
A daily screen time limit is the amount of time you decide to spend on devices like phones, tablets, or computers each day.

Why should I set a screen time limit?
Setting a limit helps you stay healthy, have time for other fun activities, and learn to manage your time well.

How do I track my screen time?
You can use a timer, a chart, or a notebook to write down how much time you use each day.

What happens if I go over my limit?
If you go over your limit, you can take a break from screens and think about how to manage your time better next time.

Can I change my screen time limit?
Yes! If your limit is too low or too high, you can change it to better suit your needs.