The Screen Time Dilemma

In last week's episode of EZ Conversations, I had the honour of hosting Emily Cherkin, The Screentime Consultant (Listen Here). In this episode, we discussed Emily's journey as a middle school teacher and the challenges she noticed around smartphones, social media and screen usage. While she felt limited in her ability as a teacher to influence change, she decided to have more of an impact by working with parents directly and guiding them. A few things jumped out to me from this episode; for example, as parents, we play a vital role in modelling for our children how to engage with digital technology appropriately. We cannot expect our children to do anything different if we have poor boundaries. Furthermore, this is not a fight we are meant to have with our children; it is the opposite. How can we forge a healthy dialogue with our children, speak to them about the potential risks of their screen time, and foster trust where our children feel comfortable sharing with us? Finally, how can we come together as a community and address this issue head-on?

Another powerful lesson that resonated with me in Emily's story was that she did not sit back and wait for someone else to solve the problem she observed as a teacher and parent. She did not become complacent. We, as parents, have a significant responsibility, and Emily took on that by wanting to champion change. In many instances, we can influence change from the inside where we can make an impact. In other situations, we must tackle the problem from the outside and face the monster. We choose which dragon we want to slay; that becomes our purpose. In that archetypal way, we can carve a path for others to follow. The mental health aspects of screen usage, social media and smartphones are beginning to come to the surface; we likely won't understand the whole story until we have significant longitudinal research data to support the detriments, which puts the current generation of children at potential risk. However, we can start incorporating some healthy practices shared by experts in their fields.

Therefore, in this week's edition of EZ Reflections, I wanted to highlight the detriments of digital technology if use is not managed appropriately and some steps we can take to lessen the hit. As always, please feel free to share or reach out if you would like to talk more about it.

The Impact of Screen Time on Adolescents

Mental Health Concerns

Excessive screen time has been linked to various mental health issues among adolescents. Studies have found that high screen time is associated with increased levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. A study published in the journal Preventive Medicine Reports found that adolescents who spent more than three hours per day on screens were more likely to experience anxiety and depression compared to those who spent less time on screens.

Sleep Disruption

Screen time, especially before bedtime, can interfere with adolescents' sleep patterns. The blue light emitted by screens can suppress melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep. According to research published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, adolescents who use electronic devices the hour before bed are more likely to have insufficient sleep, poor sleep quality, and daytime sleepiness.

Physical Health Issues

Prolonged screen time can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, contributing to obesity and related health problems. A study in the Journal of Pediatrics highlighted that adolescents who spent more time on screens were more likely to have a higher body mass index (BMI) and were at greater risk for obesity.

The Impact of Social Media on Adolescents

Self-Esteem and Body Image

Social media can significantly impact adolescents' self-esteem and body image. Constant exposure to idealized images and lifestyles can lead to feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction with one's life and body. Research published in Body Image revealed that social media use is correlated with body image concerns and eating disorders among adolescents.

Cyberbullying and Social Isolation

Social media platforms can also be venues for cyberbullying, which can have severe emotional and psychological effects on adolescents. The Journal of Adolescent Health reported that victims of cyberbullying are at higher risk for depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Furthermore, excessive use of social media can lead to social isolation, as adolescents may prioritize online interactions over real-life relationships.

Managing the Risks: Practical Steps

1. Setting Screen Time Limits

Parents and guardians can set reasonable screen time limits to ensure that adolescents do not spend excessive time on electronic devices. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than one to two hours of recreational screen time per day for adolescents.

2. Encouraging Offline Activities

Promoting offline activities such as sports, reading, and hobbies can help adolescents balance their screen time and engage in healthier, more diverse experiences. Encouraging face-to-face interactions can also foster better social skills and emotional health.

3. Monitoring and Discussing Social Media Use

Parents should monitor their children's social media use and engage in open discussions about the content they encounter. Teaching adolescents about the potential risks of social media, such as cyberbullying and unrealistic portrayals of life, can help them navigate these platforms more safely.

4. Creating Tech-Free Zones

Establishing tech-free zones and times, such as during meals and before bedtime, can help reduce screen time and promote better sleep habits. This also encourages family bonding and reduces the risk of screen-related sleep disruption.

5. Leading by Example

Parents and caregivers should model healthy screen use behaviour. Adults can set a positive example for adolescents by demonstrating balanced screen habits.

References:

• Preventive Medicine Reports - Study on screen time and mental health.

• Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine - Research on screen time and sleep disruption.

• Journal of Pediatrics - Study linking screen time to obesity.

• Body Image - Research on social media and body image concerns.

• Journal of Adolescent Health - Study on cyberbullying and its effects.

• American Academy of Pediatrics - Recommendations on screen time for adolescents.

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