Kareena Kapoor Khan on Sons’ Screen Time: ‘I Literally Have to Snatch Phones From Their Hands’

Kareena Kapoor Khan may come across as one of Bollywood’s most easy-going personalities, but when it comes to her sons’ screen time, the actor admits she can become “hyper.” In a recent interview, Kareena opened up about setting boundaries around phones and gaming for her sons, Taimur and Jeh.

The actor revealed that her children do not have their own phones, although Taimur sometimes considers his nanny’s phone to be his. Kareena said she remains particularly conscious of how much time her sons spend on digital devices.

“They do not have access to phones. Taimur’s nanny has a phone which he insists is his phone. I said, ‘It’s not your phone.’ He asked if he can tell his friends that it’s his phone, but I denied. I am hyper about the whole digital thing,” Kareena said.

She added that the issue becomes more difficult when the children are engrossed in games.

“When they are playing games all day, I literally have to snatch phones from their hands,” she said.

Kareena Kapoor Says Saif Ali Khan Thinks She Is ‘Too Hyper’

Kareena also revealed that her approach to managing the children’s digital habits occasionally becomes a point of disagreement between her and husband Saif Ali Khan.

According to the actor, Saif feels she can be overly strict about the issue and encourages her to relax. Kareena, however, believes this is one area where she needs to remain particularly alert.

“Saif feels that I am too hyper and I need to relax, but I tell him that I need to be hyper about this. So, this is the only thing that we probably argue about,” she said.

The actor also explained the emotion behind her protective approach to parenting.

“I just want to keep them still as small as possible… forever,” she added.

Why Screen Time Can Become a Parenting Challenge

Kareena’s comments reflect a challenge faced by many parents as smartphones, tablets and gaming devices become a routine part of children’s lives. Setting limits can be difficult, particularly when themselves frequently use phones.

Rather than relying only on taking devices away, parents can use several practical strategies to make screen-time boundaries easier to maintain.

Lead by Example

Children quickly notice inconsistencies between what ask them to do and what do themselves.

If parents want children to spend less time on their phones, consciously reducing unnecessary device use around them can make the rules easier to understand. Creating phone-free periods for the whole family can also make screen limits feel less like a punishment aimed only at children.

Use Timers and Transition Warnings

Taking a device away without warning can sometimes lead to arguments or frustration, particularly when a child is absorbed in a game.

Instead, parents can provide a clear transition before screen time ends. A simple warning such as “Five minutes left before dinner” gives children time to finish what they are doing.

Visual timers can also help younger children understand when their allotted screen time is coming to an end.

Set Clear Rules With Nannies and Relatives

Screen-time rules can become difficult to enforce when children receive different messages from different.

Parents can therefore establish clear expectations with nannies, babysitters and relatives about when children can use phones or other devices. Consistency among caregivers can prevent children from simply moving from one to another to gain additional screen time.

Establish Family Screen-Time Rules

Instead of creating rules only when a child is already using a device, families can discuss screen habits in advance.

Parents can establish specific periods for gaming, television or other digital activities while also setting boundaries around meals, bedtime and family activities.

Rules that are predictable and consistently applied can make it easier for children to understand what is expected of them.

Offer Engaging Offline Alternatives

Sometimes children turn to screens simply because they have nothing else to do.

Sports, outdoor activities, building toys, drawing, music, books, crafts and interactive family games can provide alternatives to digital entertainment. The goal is not necessarily to eliminate screens altogether, but to ensure that digital activities do not become the only source of entertainment.

Kareena’s Approach to Parenting

Kareena’s comments show a more protective side of her parenting style, particularly when it comes to her sons’ exposure to the digital world.

While she admits that Saif sees her approach as overly “hyper,” Kareena appears comfortable with being the stricter parent when she believes an issue deserves attention. Her candid admission about taking phones away also highlights how difficult it can be for parents to balance children’s growing interest in technology with the desire to preserve offline childhood experiences.

Ultimately, there is no single approach that works for every family. Clear expectations, consistency and age-appropriate boundaries can help parents manage children’s digital habits without turning every device into a source of conflict.