TAKING TIME OUT FOR HOW TO

So if you request that your kiddos don’t use phones at dinnertime, you can’t be scrolling through your device either.ĭr. For parents, that means setting rules for screen time and leading by example. It’s best to start early and set reasonable limitations with teens and adolescents.

TAKING TIME OUT FOR HOW TO

The goal is not to get rid of screens, rather, how to use them in balance.” Sawchuk says it well: “Tech is an inevitable part of our lives. To cut down on screen time, balance is key Checking your phone or tablet right before bed could prevent you from sleeping well. Not to mention the fact that if screens are distracting you from spending time with friends and family, those relationships may suffer. Some people find it difficult to actually answer the phone when it rings or ask for help in person-just a couple possible consequences of the loss of social stamina, Sawchuk explains. “However, on the other hand, there is a risk for losing social stamina.”Įssentially, constantly interacting with people virtually may make it harder to interact face-to-face. “On the one hand, we have a borderless way that we can stay more connected with others, such as family members and friends living in other parts of the country or the world. Too much screen time may lower your attention span, hurt your ability to make decisions, and restrict how you process emotions, Sawchuk says. The problems may not stop there, as cognitive and social issues may also arise. “Depending on the individual, some folks become more emotionally blunted, so that their range of emotional expression, both positive and negative, actually can become narrowed,” he says.

You may also feel overwhelmed by responsibilities, or lose sleep, Sawchuk says. Cyber-bullying and other forms of harassment can be harmful, too, and many people find themselves becoming more irritable as they spend more time in front of screens. For example, getting caught up in unrealistic comparisons while browsing social media may cause you to feel sad or depressed. So, simply “being on” can make you feel constantly stressed, and the diagnosis isn’t much better for your emotional well-being. “From a raw physical standpoint, excess screen time fosters a more sedentary lifestyle, which is a risk factor for a variety of chronic illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.” Sawchuk, a psychologist at the Mayo Clinic. “Too much screen time runs the risk of a myriad of ill effects,” says Craig N. It’s no walk in the park for adults either. In fact, excessive screen time can stunt a child’s development, according to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics.

And this dependence on devices has true, lasting consequences, starting from youth. People spend an average of more than three hours daily on just their computers, tablets, or phones. Breakin’ it down: some data on screen time And yes, we know you’re likely reading this on a screen, so here’s something easy to start: Give yourself a quick break by closing your eyes, taking a deep breath, and counting to 10. You came to the right place-we’ve collected a few no-shame, actionable ways that will help you lower your dependence on your devices and set reasonable boundaries for what you do with them. The addictive nature of technology is one of the stresses of modernity, and it’s common for people to seek out strategies for decreasing their screen time. If you’ve ever opened Instagram, blinked, then realized two hours had somehow passed, you’re not alone.

Does this look like you and your friends? If so, you may need a time out.

Taking time out for