I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book - Groucho Marx
If you are like most people, your smart phone is the first thing you check upon waking and the last thing you check before you go to sleep.
The smart phone is just one of the screens we look at during the day. In a recent US study the average daily screen time is seven hours. If you are an office worker the average time looking at a computer screen will add another six hours to your screen time. That’s a potential thirteen-hour total.
In a report released in 2019 in the US found eight to twelve-year olds spent an average of almost five hours daily using screens this increases to more than seven hours for thirteen to eighteen-year olds. Additionally, we would expect these screen times to have increased as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Clearly screen time is significant and it is on the increase. Screen time often gets bad press. For children and adults, it is something that needs to be understood and managed. There is no consensus on the safe amount of screen time for adults. On the other side it is unrealistic to go screen free. Limiting screen time can provide a number of benefits including amongst others a lowered risk of obesity, improved mood and heightened self-esteem.
The mind-map below highlights the significant psychological and physical effects that may be the consequence of screen time that is not well managed. The effects are applicable for children and adults. As usual I recommend you visit an expert if you experience significant negative effects related to screen time.
What can you do to help yourself ? You can follow the tips given on screen time. This involves taking a pro-active role in the management of screen time for yourself and if applicable for your children. It’s clear that screens are a part of everyday life. Screen time, however, needs to be managed and the mind-map gives you an overview of what you can do to improve the way you manage screen time.
I’ve just released a podcast with Arcadia Kim. We discuss in detail “Screen Time”. Arcadia is working to dispel the negative connotations surrounding screen time and gives guidance on how we can manage our screen time. You will find a link to the podcast below.
How can you take action to manage your screen time? Why not start with a small habit. For example – When I go bed - I will leave all screens in another room and I will say to myself “ No screens equals better sleep” and I’ll smile.