In this modern age screens are the major source of fun for both kids and adults. The attractive applications and video game designs are the key to the uncontrolled use of screens. This uncontrolled use eventually leads to screen addiction. That is why it is necessary to know about the optimal and excessive screen use.
Excessive Use of Screens
Excessive screen use, sometimes known as “screen addiction” is the overuse or prolonged involvement with screens such as cellphones, tablets, laptops, televisions, and gaming consoles.
It usually refers to a condition in which people, especially children and adolescents, spend an undue amount of time in front of screens, frequently at the expense of other important activities such as physical activity, face-to-face social contacts, sleep, and productive jobs.
According to Pew Research Center, 3 out of 10 Americans go online constantly. Here is the graphical representation of the survey.
Screen Addiction Signs and Symptoms
According to the Addiction Center the border between healthy and compulsive cell phone use is thin. Too much reliance on a device might lead to mobile addiction. This addiction is not asymptomatic and has various signs.
- Lying about smartphone use.
- Neglect or trouble completing duties at work, school, or home.
- More and more time using a phone.
- Checking peoples’ profiles repeatedly due to anxiety.
- Accidents or injury due to phone use.
- Working later to complete tasks.
- Weak or non-existent social life.
- Fear of missing out (FOMO)
- Isolation from family and friends.
- A sense of being disconnected.
- If phone use is interrupted, they become enraged or annoyed.
- Getting up in the middle of the night to check a phone.
- When they are alone or bored, they reach for the phone.
- Phantom vibrations (the sensation that the phone is buzzing when it is not).
- It is difficult to limit phone use.
- Want to use a smartphone or similar device.
These symptoms can further lead to severe medical issues which include changes in brain structure, physical disorders etc. To avoid these kinds of consequences it is necessary to make preventions earlier and set some screen time rules.
5 Family Screen Time Rules to Set on Your Child’s Device
Establish Screen-Free Zones and Times
- Designate specific spaces in your home where screens are not permitted, such as the dining table, bedrooms, or during family gatherings.
- Set aside specific hours for screen time, such as after homework or on weekends. Make certain that screens do not interfere with important activities such as sleep and schoolwork.
Encourage Educational and Productive Use
- Discuss the significance of screen time that is both educational and entertaining. Encourage children to pursue hobbies and activities that are not limited to screens.
- Make sure your kids must use their devices for productive purposes like reading a book, using educational apps and reading research papers.
- Encourage them to use it in a limit for entertainment purposes.
Set Screen Limits
- Set the screen limits and app usage limits on your kids phone to prevent your kids from being addicted to the screens.
- Use kids mode or other parental control features to make it more manageable to set screen limits.
Limit the Use of Social Media Applications
- For many people, especially teenagers, social media can be a big time drain and source of stress. Set social media usage limitations to discourage excessive scrolling and to encourage meaningful online interactions.
- You should also talk about how important digital detox days are for recharging and reducing screen-related stress.
Use Parental Control Applications
- Parental control applications are an all in one option to set screen limits as well as monitoring phone activity of your kids.
- It can help you block the applications, set screen limits, record their calls and view their web history.
Take Away
Remember to tailor these rules to your child’s age, maturity, and particular needs. Open communication is essential; discuss these rules with your child, explain why they are in place, and be open to modify them as your child grows and their needs change.
The idea is not to completely limit screen time, but to develop a healthy and balanced strategy that benefits your child’s overall well-being.
You can help your child establish appropriate screen habits, make the most of their screen time by setting clear limits and being involved in their digital life.
