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Screen Time Maths

Maths hiding in screen time: game turns

Share device time fairly between siblings.

Quick answer

Maths hiding in screen time: game turns means using maths to fairly share device time between siblings or friends. You can use division, equal groups, and sharing to make sure everyone gets a fair turn.

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will understand how to share screen time fairly using maths, so that everyone gets an equal turn playing games or using devices. Success signs:
  • You can divide a total time into equal parts for each person
  • You can use counting or sharing to make sure everyone gets the same amount of time
  • You can explain why sharing time equally is fair
  • You can solve simple problems about how long each person gets to play

Why this matters

When you play games or use devices with siblings or friends, maths helps you share the time fairly. This means no one gets upset, and everyone gets a good chance to play. Maths helps you think about how to split time, how much time each person gets, and how to make sure everyone is happy. This is useful not just for games, but also for sharing toys, snacks, or even chores.

How it works

To share screen time fairly, you need to:
  1. Decide how much total time is available
  2. Count how many people will play
  3. Divide the total time by the number of people
  4. Each person gets the same amount of time
For example, if you have 30 minutes to play and 3 people, you divide 30 by 3 to get 10 minutes each.

Examples you can see

Let's imagine you and your two siblings want to play a game on the tablet for 20 minutes. That's 3 people in total.
Total Time Number of People Time Each Person Gets
20 minutes 3 people 20 ÷ 3 = 6 minutes 40 seconds each
30 minutes 3 people 30 ÷ 3 = 10 minutes each
1 hour 4 people 60 ÷ 4 = 15 minutes each
If you have 1 hour (60 minutes) and 4 people, each person gets 15 minutes. You can use a timer to make sure everyone gets their turn.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: Fair Game Time Quest You are the leader of a group of friends who wants to play a game on one tablet. You have 45 minutes to play. There are 5 friends in your group. 4th time: How many minutes does each friend get? 5th time: If you use a timer, how long should each timer be set for? 6th time: What happens if one friend wants to play a little longer? 7th time: How can you make sure everyone still gets a fair turn? Let's work through this:
  1. There are 5 friends
  2. You have 45 minutes
  3. 45 ÷ 5 = 9 minutes each
  4. Each timer should be set for 9 minutes
  5. If one friend wants more time, you could take 1 minute from each other friend or play a shorter game next time

Common mistakes

  • Mistake: Thinking 20 minutes divided by 3 people means each person gets 6 minutes exactly.
    Why it happens: Children may not understand remainders.
    Correct answer: Each person gets 6 minutes and 40 seconds (because 20 ÷ 3 = 6 remainder 2, and 2 minutes = 120 seconds, so 120 ÷ 3 = 40 seconds).
  • Mistake: Not counting how many people are sharing the time.
    Why it happens: Children might be excited about the game and forget to check how many are playing.
    Correct answer: Always count the number of people who will play before dividing the time.
  • Mistake: Thinking that if you have 10 minutes and 2 people, each gets 5 minutes.
    Why it happens: Children may not understand that sharing means dividing the total time.
    Correct answer: If 10 minutes are shared between 2 people, each gets 5 minutes. This is correct, but make sure the time is divided properly.

Parent and carer guide

Parents and carers can help by:
  • Using real-life situations to show how sharing time works
  • Setting up a timer for each person's turn
  • Encouraging children to count how many people are sharing
  • Using simple division problems to practice
  • Letting children take turns being the "timekeeper"
To help at home:
  1. Ask your child: "If we have 30 minutes and 3 people, how long is each person's turn?"
  2. Use a kitchen timer or phone timer to show the turns
  3. Encourage your child to check if everyone gets the same amount
  4. Ask them to explain how they figured out the time
Remember, it's okay if your child makes mistakes. They are learning how to share and divide time fairly.

Practice questions

  1. If 20 minutes are shared between 4 people, how long does each person get?
  2. If 45 minutes are shared between 5 people, how long does each person get?
  3. If 60 minutes are shared between 3 people, how long does each person get?
  4. If 1 hour is shared between 6 people, how long does each person get?
  5. If 35 minutes are shared between 7 people, how long does each person get?
Answers:
  1. 5 minutes each
  2. 9 minutes each
  3. 20 minutes each
  4. 10 minutes each
  5. 5 minutes each

FAQ

How do I make sure everyone gets a fair turn?

Count how many people are sharing, then divide the total time by that number. Use a timer to make sure everyone gets the same amount of time.

What if someone wants to play longer?

If someone wants more time, you can take a few minutes from each person or plan a shorter game next time. Fair sharing means everyone gets a chance to play, but it's okay to adjust if needed.

Can I use maths to share other things too?

Yes! Maths helps you share anything – snacks, toys, time, or even chores. You can always divide things equally to make sure everyone gets a fair share.

Why is it important to share time fairly?

When you share time fairly, everyone feels happy and respected. It helps prevent arguments and makes playing together more fun.

What if I don't have a timer?

You can use a phone, a watch, or even count out loud. For example, count "one, two, three, four, five" for each minute. This helps you keep track of time without a timer.