We all acknowledge that learning continued during the pandemic, in spite of schools being shut, due to Online learning platforms. Edtech came as a great boon to the education sector and proved to be the best solution during the pandemic situation. Teachers utilised virtual classrooms to teach effectively by making use of all the available tools. The Pandemic compelled everyone to stay at home for a long period and obstructed the routine lives of families. Children were deprived of their outdoor activities and to compensate, the adults allowed their children to use devices for playing and recreation. This is how screen time increased tremendously over the past two years. These days we find screens everywhere. They’re on our walls, on our tables, in our cars, and in our hands. Though technology has made our lives easier and better and made learning more accessible and flexible, on the other hand, too much screen time has slowly started impacting us in negative ways like affecting emotional wellness, learning difficulties, social disconnect, and reducing physical activity. The sedentary time spent before the screens can also lead to mood changes and physical problems associated with not getting enough exercise. Using technology late at night could result in less sleep too.
Now that the schools are back in action, the dependency on technology has comparatively reduced. Parents are reluctant to hand over the devices to their children and have totally restricted them from using them. On the other hand, the children, who got used to the devices and the online entertainment it provided, are feeling bereft. This is resulting in a tremendous increase in cases related to behavioral issues by children both at school and at home.
We need to accept this fact and formulate ways to tackle this issue so that children do not fall victim to the thoughtless actions of adults.
Some of the ways which could help us in dealing with children who are unwilling to let go of their fascination for the devices and popular social media apps.
Encourage digital detox:
The concept has received increasing attention as a means of recovering from the ill effects caused by the excessive use of digital media. The basic idea is to disengage from online and digital media, and deliberately engage in “non-digital” tasks by focusing on the physical world, in order to recover from digital stress and overload. It refers to a period of time during which we mindfully “disconnect” from all electronic and digital devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers.
This relatively helps to focus more on authentic social interactions and reconnect with the physical world. In fact, one of the best ways to digital detox is by going into green environments.
Set achievable targets
Setting a new habit cannot happen overnight. It takes time and consistency. Screen time should be reduced gradually. The children should be eased into it. Therefore it is important to select achievable goals to avoid the risk of failure.
One can initially start by simply setting smaller time limits and gradually increasing the duration. This kind of “gradual detoxing” helps to effectively eliminate digital dependencies.
Be an example
When you set limits for the children, they would be greatly motivated if you also set aside your device for some time every day and set an example. Possibly, some parents might be more stressed than their children while following this rule, but one should focus to stay calm rather than showing restlessness.
Prepare a schedule
Assist your child to plan and prepare a proper schedule. All the family members must be aware of the schedule and support the child in following the same, consistently. A healthy and safe environment needs to be created around your child. The schedule should have a balanced approach to studies and leisure time, with regard to screen time. Let’s say, the child has to use the laptop for academics, do not consider that screen time while checking the total screen time of the day. This will ensure that the child does not lie about the time spent on academics/leisure screen time.
Spend quality time:
When you expect your children to reduce their screen time, then it becomes the duty of the adults at home to suggest and implement productive and entertaining alternatives. The involvement of parents and other family members in engaging with their children has become a necessity in the present-day nuclear family setup. Discuss the subject/topics they are interested in rather than always talking about your own past and the challenges you faced.-
Chores and hobbies:
Encourage your kids to help you around the house. Involve them in small household chores and make them accountable for the same. After school hobby classes are a great way to keep the children physically and mentally fit and active.
We as adults understand and are cognizant of the consequences resulting in excess screen time. However, snatching away the phones and laptops, switching off the TVs, and hiding the gaming console are not the appropriate methods to reduce screen time. Engaging in family time will result in disengaging screen time.
Views expressed by Amruta Rao, Principal, Greenwich Academy – The School, Hyderabad, Telangana.
