Unhealthy Screen Time
Much has been said about the dangers of screen time in the last two decades. From the influence of violent video-games to social media-invoked anxiety, depression and low self-esteem, the message is clear. Stay away from screens. Apparently, healthy screen time is an oxymoron. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that families should use screens to encourage high-quality programming and interaction with others. Additionally, setting limits on the use of screens to ensure that family members get adequate sleep and physical activity is important. What, however, do you do in the middle of a global pandemic? It seems that screens are the only outlet that is readily available.
What to do in a Global Pandemic
Most parts of the world are experiencing reduced business, educational and social activity as a result of COVID-19 mitigation strategies. Although physical distancing helps to reduce the spread of infection, it can also increase isolation. Gyms and restaurants are open in some places but at limited capacity. Movie theaters, performance venues and stores are shuttered. Truthfully, there is not much to do during this time outside of a screen. Children are spending several hours each day on screens for school and for recreation and entertainment. People less familiar with technology may find themselves isolated, lonely and experiencing depression. Essentially, many of us are thankful for screens. With them we are able to access business, educational activities and health care through remote work, distance learning and tele-health. Even social and recreational activities such as birthday parities, personal training and voice lessons can be accessed through screens.
How to Have Healthy Screen Time
Some simple steps you can take to find balance in your use of screen time are listed below.
1. Turn off alerts and notifications. The constant chirping of e-mail, calendar and social media alerts can be distracting. This makes it more difficult to focus on the task at hand. Improve your focus and attention by turning off alerts. You may notice that it takes you less time to complete tasks.
2. Create media-free zones and times. People of all ages should refrain from using screens two hours prior to sleeping. Keeping your bedroom a media-free zone, especially closer to bed time, will help you fall asleep more easily. Consider creating a Family Media Use Plan and sticking to it!
3. Use screens to interact with others. Make good use of apps such as FaceTime, WhatsApp and the plethora of web conferencing applications to interact with others. If you notice yourself becoming isolated, sign up for a class. The social interaction of a small group class will reduce your isolation and improve your mood.
Healthy Screen Time Classes
Parts of Speech’s offers small group Healthy Screen Time classes online. Contact us below to inquire about the next cohort. We teach how to use the iPad’s accessibility features and applications to foster connections, gain opportunities for expression, improve independence and create healthy habits and routines. Why do we teach them? It turns out that healthy screen time is not an oxymoron. Accessibility features on tablets, chromeboks and laptops benefit everyone but are essential to some. They help students develop self-management and organizational skills. They help people with disabilities gain access and independence. Finally, the elderly maintain social and civic participation and improve quality of life. If any of these objectives interest you, please inquire below. You can also find more information here.
