Modern life is changing rapidly with new technologies, desk jobs, and urbanization shifting our lives more indoors and behind our screens. While this progress is connecting our world and transforming the way we live, it can come with challenges for families navigating the fast paced digital world.
Screen Time Challenges
Increased screen time may be associated with more social and emotional problems including depression, anxiety, aggression, and hyperactivity in children and teens. In addition, children who already experience these emotional challenges may be more likely to spend time on screens using it as a coping mechanism. On the other hand, many youths find value in connecting with peers virtually, accessing information online for learning, and developing their digital literacy skills and social identity. However, this increased screen time often results in less time outdoors which can affect our mental, physical and spiritual well being. Lack of sunlight, poor indoor air quality and less connection to the natural world can influence our mood, sleep, and physical health long-term.
Encourage a Healthy Balance
Explain to your children that screen time is only one part of a
fun life, but our brains and bodies also need time away from technology to move, rest, create and connect. You can also discuss what they’re consuming online and how that might affect their mood. Is it mindless scrolling or creating and learning? Lastly, talk about their online reputation, cyberbullying, and the permanence of online posts.
Take a Break from Technology
Go outside on a family walk or in your backyard for a nature scavenger hunt. Try to find as many of the natural items listed below:
- A feather
- Rocks
- Tree bark
- Grass
Animal footprints - Flowers
- Something with texture
- Spot a bird flying
- Collect three different leaf shapes
- Seeds
- Find something that has a smell
- An insect
- Something yellow
- Pine cone
Leave a Reply