With more than 1.1 million followers on TikTok and 170k on Instagram, social media is very much a part of Mzansi’s Greatest Family’s life. Here is how they balance family time and screen time.

Mzansi’s Greatest Family’s social media success is based on being truly authentic - no dressing up for camera every day. Dad David Nkoane, a former radio personality with a two decades-long career, shared with News24, “I told my wife that she would not buy new clothes, change pots or her hairstyle, we would be authentic.”

Spending more with his family and building a business was the goal and it is right on track. And prioritising family life means prioritising connecting authentically and being intentional with device use.

Telkom InTouch caught up with parents David and Tebogo to ask their views on the hot topic of family screen time - and we really liked what they had to say!

1. What’s your family’s philosophy around screen time?

Our philosophy is all about balance. We believe that screens are a part of modern life, but they shouldn’t dominate our time. We encourage our kids to enjoy outdoor activities, reading, and family time just as much as their favourite shows and games.

2. How many devices are going at the same time on a typical evening in your house?

Usually, we have about three to four devices in use. Someone might be doing homework on a laptop, another watching TV, and others might be on their phones or tablets. We try to ensure it doesn’t interfere with family time or bedtime.

3. Do you have moments when you all watch the same thing at the same time?

Definitely! We love our family movie nights and watching big sports events together. These moments are special because they bring us closer and give us a chance to enjoy something together.

4. Would you say you are becoming more or less strict with screen time with your younger kids?

We’ve become more strict with our younger kids. We set clear rules and limits to ensure they don’t spend too much time on screens and miss out on other important activities.

5. Are digital detoxes part of your daily routine?

Yes, we do digital detoxes every few months. We plan a weekend where we put away our devices and focus on activities like hiking, cooking, and playing board games. It’s refreshing for everyone.

6. Which of the family would panic most if their device got misplaced?

It’s usually the teenagers who panic the most when they can’t find their phones. We’re working on helping them develop a healthier relationship with their devices so they don’t feel so dependent on them.