Screen Time in the Summer Cybertraps 126 Cybertraps Podcast

Show notes News Item Screen Time Went Up During the Pandemic “The latest report from Common Sense Media confirms what many of us know intuitively: Entertainment media use grew faster in the last two years than it did in the four years before the pandemic. While many of us didn’t think it was possible to cram more entertainment screen time into our waking hours, we somehow managed to do so in 2021.” Overview What Is Screen Time? We’ve Been Worried about It Since the Introduction of TV Computers Accelerated the Issue (1980s and 1990s) Gaming Devices, Cellphones, and Smartphones Put It All on Steroids And Then There Was a Pandemic … What Impact Has All of This Had on Your Screen Time? Latest Studies Common Sense Media Report Tweens spend an average of 5.5 hours on entertainment media Teens spend over 8 hours Social media users are getting younger: 40% of children between 8 and 12 are on social media platforms Some significant variations based on gender, race, and family income Lower-income tweens spend as much as 3 hours more each day on entertainment media Smartphone Usage in 2021 37% of 11-year-olds use a smartphone 91% of 14-year-olds You can get a Pinwheel phone for your child to help with screentime management Screen Time Recommendations by The American Academy of Pediatrics Infants/toddlers, ages 0–2 years: No screen time exposure for infants and toddlers. The only exception being connecting with loved ones on a screen. Children ages 2–5 years: Up to one hour per day of high-quality screen time. Do not use technology as a babysitter In 2016, researchers found that babies (0–2 years) spend 42 minutes per day on screens, and children (3–4 years) spend two hours 40 minutes per day on screens. Most parents teach their child how to use a touchscreen by age two. Screen time usage per day was too high before the pandemic. It is even higher, now. Positive Benefits of Non-Screen Play Physical development Brain development Language development Tactile learning Critical-thinking skills Development of imagination Cooperation and conflict resolution Consequences Physical Posture and Bone Development Eyesight Hearing Psychological Disconnection Body image Bullying Anger and Hostility Radicalization Suicidal ideation Responses and Solutions Above all, balance Focusing on content may be more important than screen time Parents serving as good role models Distracted parenting is a real phenomenon Delay use of screens as long as possible “Wait Until Eighth” Campaign Create screen-free spaces Separate space for art, crafts, reading, board games, etc. Seek out seratonin Waldeinsamkeit – the feeling of solitude in the forest Shinrin-yoku – “forest-bathing” Friluftsliv – “open-air living” Set essential boundaries to promote: Sleep Real-World Activities Concentration Connection Mental Health and Self-Esteem Consistency Is Very Helpful to Both Kids and Adults Help children understand the business model of social media Help children put social media interactions in context Coping with Boredom Is a Life Skill and a Pathway to Creativity Resources - #2022–05–16 Millennials vow to cut down on screen time for ‘more natural life’ “https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/millennials-vow-cut-down-screen–23968163” - #2022–05–14 Too much screen time linked to ADHD, aggression, anxiety in children “https://www.studyfinds.org/screen-time-children-adhd-aggression-anxiety/” - #2022–05–13 Health experts: Time to kill screens and send kids back to camp “https://m.washingtontimes.com/news/2022/may/13/health-experts-time-kill-screens-and-send-kids-bac/” - #2022–05–12 Should kids have smartphones? Debate grows on mental health impact “https://www.today.com/parents/parents/kids-smartphones-parents-debate-smartphones-teens-tweens-rcna28489” - #2022–05–11 How has the pandemic