Our Problem:
The majority of the world’s population gets a fair amount of daily screen time via the many digital gadgets we own, from small children to working adults and even the elderly. It’s simple to overlook the harmful effects of spending too much time in front of screens because we absorb so much stuff from them. But given that evidence indicates that excessive screen time can harm brain development or even result in chronic illnesses like diabetes, it’s time to stop downplaying the dangers of abusing our screens.
What were the biggest things you learned while completing this task?
The biggest things that I learned while completing this task would include how large the amount of screen time that is used by children on average is. When I started researching, I was shocked when I found out the statistics and all the comments on how much we humans were on screen, whether for education, work or leisure. While completing this task, I have also learned the effects of excessive screen time and how it can affect you severely with things you would never imagine. Excessive screen time usage leads to many mental and some physical ailments. That is why, due to this research, I have limited my daily screen time usage of my phone as I do not want my brain and mind to get affected due to the excessive use of screen time.
What is one piece of advice you would pass on to young people concerning your well-being above all else? Why?
One piece of advice I would pass on to young people concerning my well-being, above all else, is to do stuff I like most of the time. Often, young people do things they do not enjoy to impress others and satisfy them to find a sense of belonging. However, this is not healthy for your mind or well-being, as you will never do something you like to do. Another advice I would pass on to young children/people would be to limit screen time and completely abolish it unless it is compulsory, such as school work on the computer. I would advise them to avoid or even delete social media apps as they can be the leader of screen time addiction.
Write down a pledge that you will commit to regarding your well-being. Why did you pick these things to commit to? How will you stick to these commitments?
PLEDGE: I pledge to myself that I will always care for myself by making sound and safe choices and limiting or even restricting some things, such as my screen time and other bad habits. I will also strive to take care of others’ well-being by being kind to them no matter what to ensure they are always happy and try to make them happy if they are sad. I will also regularly check in with my family and friends to see if they are okay and to help them if they are feeling down.
I will stick to these commitments as I want to make our community a better place for everyone, and I also want the people around me, my closest people, to feel safe and happy most of the time. I will also stick to these commitments as I will be motivated to improve the community.
How did the contents of the expo station promote awareness of your well-being issue?
Our wellness expo station was created to raise as much awareness as we could about the negative impacts of screen use on teenagers. Our presentation was both educational and engaging. We made a PowerPoint presentation that provided the audience with information about the facts, including the average daily screen time for teens, how excessive screen time can be avoided, the short- and long-term effects of screen time on a teen’s physical and mental health, and a list of other relevant facts. To promote knowledge of the topic we were addressing, we also created a brochure, a portable source of information that could be carried around and shared with others.
Research:
The problem – Excessive screen time in the daily routine of contemporary teenagers
How much screen time does a teenager use on average every day?
The world is rapidly evolving, and technology is becoming a bigger part of everyone’s daily lives as it powers everything we do as humans. But, despite all the things people use technology for, there is a slight increase in the overuse of technology, especially in teenagers. Even though screen time is a necessary part of teenagers’ schooling and learning and an ever-present part of their social lives, too. A recent report found that teenagers spend an average of 7 hours and 22 minutes daily on screens. This is way too high for children and teenagers who should be outside playing sports or having fun with their friends. This shows how much society has changed positively and negatively throughout the evolution and growth of technology. The average screen time teens spend each day can vary widely depending on age, personal preferences, and cultural norms. Additionally, Screen Time patterns may have evolved since the most recent My Knowledge Update in September 2021 due to technology’s continued evolution and the pandemic’s impact. COVID-19 was causing many people to increase their time using the device. Since my last update, organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics have recommended that teens ages 14-18 spend no more than 2 hours of screen time daily. However, this guideline was established before the pandemic and may not reflect current usage habits. For a more accurate estimate of the average device time used by today’s teens, you may need to consult recent surveys or studies conducted by research organizations or agencies implemented by the government. These studies often provide data on trends in device time and usage across different age groups. Also, it’s important to note that screen time isn’t always the same. Some device time may be spent for educational purposes, while some may involve socializing with friends, playing video games, or viewing entertainment content. The quality and context of device time can be just as important as quantity. To better understand a teen’s device usage habits, having an open and honest conversation with them and their parents or guardians is a good idea. This can help raise awareness and encourage responsible and balanced use of device time.
What apps do teenagers spend most of their screen time on?
As of the last knowledge update in September 2021, I can provide information on some popular apps teenagers were using. App popularity can change quickly, and new apps may have appeared since then. For the most up-to-date information, I recommend doing your research or consulting more recent sources. Here are some apps that are popular with teenagers in 2021. TikTok is one of the most used apps by teenagers. It is a short video platform that allows users to create and share creative videos with music. Instagram continues to gain popularity, especially among teenagers who love to share photos and stories with their followers. Snapchat is known for its disappearing photo and video messages feature as well as various filters and lenses, making it a favourite among teenagers for its quick and fun communication. WhatsApp is a widely used messaging application for texting, voice calling and video calling. It is especially popular with teenagers for group chats and keeping in touch with friends. Although not just for teenagers, YouTube is still an important entertainment and content creation platform. Many teens use it to watch vlogs, how-to videos, and gaming videos. Although Facebook’s popularity among teenagers has declined, some still use it to socialize and communicate with older family and friends. Twitter is a platform for sharing thoughts and updates with the world. Some teenagers use it to follow their favourite celebrities or keep up with the news. Discord is a popular communication platform among gamers, but it has spread to many different communities. Teens often use it to voice chat and text with friends or connect with online gaming communities. Reddit is a forum-based platform where users can discuss a variety of topics. Some teenagers use it to find information, participate in discussions, or pursue specialized interests. Pinterest is a platform for discovering and hosting ideas for a variety of interests, including fashion, food, and DIY projects. It can be popular among creative teenagers. This photo and video-sharing app is famous for its auto-disappearing messages and fun filters, making it a favourite among teenagers in casual communication. Various messaging apps, such as Telegram, Signal, and WeChat, also have teen users, depending on their region. It’s important to remember that app popularity can vary by region and age group, and new apps can quickly become popular among teenagers. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on which apps teens are using the most in 2023, consider conducting surveys or reviewing market research reports specific to this demographic. your target demographic.
What are the effects of too much excessive screen time?
Excessive screen time, especially when it displaces important activities like physical activity, face-to-face social interaction, and sleep, can have several negative effects on physical, mental, and social well-being. It’s important to note that the specific effects can vary depending on the individual, the type of screen time activities, and other factors, but here are some common effects associated with excessive screen time.
Physical Health Effects:
Sedentary Lifestyle: Excessive screen time often leads to a sedentary lifestyle, which can contribute to health issues like obesity and poor cardiovascular health. Sleep Disruption: The blue light emitted by screens, along with late-night use, can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to poor quality of sleep. Eye Strain: Prolonged screen time can cause eye strain, dry eyes, and discomfort, often referred to as “computer vision syndrome.” Physical Ailments: Poor posture while using screens, especially in the case of excessive gaming or excessive smartphone use, can lead to musculoskeletal problems like neck and back pain.
Mental Health Effects:
Increased Stress and Anxiety: Excessive screen time, particularly on social media, can lead to increased stress and anxiety due to social comparison, cyberbullying, or exposure to negative content. Depression: Several studies have suggested a link between excessive screen time and depressive symptoms, particularly in adolescents who are victims of online bullying or are socially isolated. Reduced attention span: Excessive screen use, especially when multitasking, can contribute to reduced attention span and difficulty concentrating on tasks. Addiction: Some people may develop problematic device habits that mimic addictions, such as gambling or excessive use of social media.
Social effects and development:
Impaired social skills: Spending too much time in front of screens can reduce face-to-face social interaction, which is essential for developing social skills, empathy, and emotional intelligence. Academic achievement: Excessive screen time can interfere with study and homework time, leading to lower grades in school. Reduce family time: Too much screen time can disrupt family dynamics and reduce the quality of family interactions.
Behavioural effects:
Attack: Overexposure to violent content in video games or on screens may be associated with increased aggressive behaviour in some individuals. Impulsiveness: Some research suggests that excessive screen time, especially in young children, can contribute to impulsive behaviour.
It’s important to note that not all device time is harmful, and device use can have positive sides, such as educational content or creative activity. Finding a healthy balance that meets personal and family needs is important while minimizing the negative effects of spending too much time on screens. Parental guidance, setting time limits on device use, and promoting alternative activities such as outdoor games, reading, and hobbies can all help mitigate these negative effects.
How can we fix the problem of excessive screen time?
Addressing excessive screen time requires a multi-dimensional approach that engages individuals, families, schools, and communities.
Here are some strategies to help solve the problem:
Outreach and Education: Start by raising awareness about the potential negative effects of excessive device use. Make sure parents and teens understand the risks involved. Educate individuals about the importance of balance and moderation in device time. Set screen time limits: Set clear and consistent device time limits for different activities, such as social media, games, and entertainment. Consider using on-device parental controls and tools to help enforce these limits. Lead by example: Parents and guardians should adopt healthy behaviours when using the device. Parents regularly sitting in front of screens may send the wrong message to teens. Encourage screen-free family activities, like board games, outdoor adventures, or reading together. Create a screen-free area: Designate specific home areas, such as bedrooms and dinner tables, as screen-free areas to support face-to-face communication and a good night’s sleep. Promote alternatives: Encourage youth to participate in activities that promote physical, mental and social well-being, such as sports, hobbies, reading, and volunteering. Provide access to rich and educational content online to balance entertainment time. Schedule a show: Work with teens to create a daily or weekly device usage schedule that includes both necessary device time (for example, for school work) and recreational device time. Stick to the schedule and adjust it as needed to reflect changing priorities. Engage in open communication: Promote open, non-judgmental communication with teens about their device usage habits. Encourage them to share their experiences, concerns, and challenges with device time. Content tracking: Be aware of the content that teens are using. Discuss age-appropriate content and the potential impact of violent or inappropriate material. Encourage physical activity: Encourage regular physical activity, as it can help counteract the sedentary effects of screen time. Find physical activities that appeal to teens, whether it’s sports, dancing, or just going for a walk. Collaboration with schools: Work with schools to promote responsible technology use and advocate for policies that promote balanced screen time. Discuss device time guidelines and expectations with teachers and administrators. Community involvement: Encourage community organizations and local governments to offer screen-free activities and events for youth. Promote healthy device time standards in your community. Seek professional help if needed: If too much screen time is causing serious physical or mental health problems, consider seeking advice from a health professional or counsellor. Remember that every family is unique and what works for one person may not work for another. Tailoring strategies to your family’s specific needs and circumstances while maintaining an open line of communication with youth to ensure consent and cooperation is key to reducing downtime excessive use of the device.