Digital Detox: Tips for Reducing Screen Time Without the Drama using Next Generation’s Nation Learning : NGN Learning Social, Emotional, Ethical and Logical Learning (SEEL)

Struggling to control your child’s screen time? Is your child using excessive screen time? Is there friction in family relationships due to screen time?

• Excessive screen time is a widespread issue among children globally, affecting parents in India and worldwide.
• Statistics show that 83% of school-going teens and 87% of adolescents surpass the recommended screen time limit.
• Nearly 80% of children exceed advised screen time, with TVs and mobile phones being the primary contributors.
• Mobile phones have become indispensable, with Wi-Fi usage contributing to 98.9% of teen usage.
• The COVID-19 lockdown exacerbated the problem, with digital device usage increasing by 5 hours.
• Heavy users reached up to 17.5 hours per day, while non-heavy users averaged 30 hours per week.
• Younger adults reported spending 8.8 hours on screens daily, whereas the elderly reported 5.2 hours.
• IAP(Indian Academy of Pediatrics suggest No screen exposure for children under 2 years and Engage children in physical play, storytelling, music, and age-appropriate toys.
• For Children 5-10 Years limit screen time to less than 2 hours per day, including recreational and educational use and ensure screen time does not replace study, play, sleep, family, or personal time.
• For Adolescents, Balance screen time with physical activity, sleep, schoolwork, meals, hobbies, peer interaction, and family time and educate about safe and healthy screen use; prioritize educational and skill development content.

Negative Outcomes of Excessive Screen Time:

Physical and Mental Health: Higher BMI/obesity, sleep problems, anxiety, and depression.

Social and Developmental: Displacement of sports, hobbies, and face-to-face interactions; weakened social skills; increased isolation.

Cognitive Impact: Reduced attention spans, stunted self-control and goal achievement, decreased creativity, and problem-solving.

Benefits of Mobile phones/ Screen time

While excessive screen time is detrimental, moderate use (2 to 4 hours/day) of digital technologies can promote psychological and emotional well-being, enhance abstract thinking, information analysis, planning, problem-solving skills, scientific reasoning, and artistic and creative skills.

What We Can Do To Limit Screen Time

• Setting clear boundaries and establishing specific time for screen time.
• Prioritise what kind of content you want your child should watch. Eg. Educational, use Pickle Jar theory for screen time.
• Advocate using mindfulness apps for better life experience.
• Establish scree-free days or hours together.
• Have a routine for family time or family screen time where it can be upgraded to non screen family time.

Let’s understand how we tackle the issue of screen time at Next Generation’s Nations Learning: NGN Learning Social, Emotional, Ethical and Logical Learning (SEEL) as Solution

• In NGN Learning children learn to know about their emotions, thoughts and behaviour, thereby increasing their self-awareness. At NGN Learning we offer tools to recognise feelings of boredom or loneliness that can prompt them to choose healthier activities over screen time.
  
• Our NGN Learning’s Social, Emotional, Ethical and Logical Learning (SEEL) helps children with the NGN RAP tool to manage behaviours and emotions and avoid consequences due to their impulses, making it easier to adhere to screen time rules.
  
• Through NGN Learning’s Social, Emotional, Ethical and Logical Learning (SEEL), children learn effective communication and relationship-building skills. This encourages them to seek in-person interactions rather than relying on digital communication.
• Through NGN Learning’s Social, Emotional, Ethical and Logical Learning(SEEL), children develop a growth mindset, which helps them to structure their day to attain their goals and use digital gadgets for the greater good.
  
• At NGN Learning’s Social, Emotional, Ethical and Logical Learning (SEEL) your child will know how to make wise, safe and responsible decisions in their choices.
  
• Understanding others’ feelings can motivate children to spend more time engaging in activities that build real-life connections and reduce solitary screen time.

Executive Summary

Subject: Digital Detox: Tips for Reducing Screen Time Without the Drama using Next Generation’s Nation Learning: NGN Learning Social, Emotional, Ethical and Logical Learning (SEEL)

In a digital age where screens dominate, the impacts on our children’s health are profound. Research reveals alarming statistics: 83% of school-going teens and 87% of adolescents spend over 2 hours daily on mobile phones, a trend worsened by COVID-19 lockdowns. But amidst the concern, hope emerges. Explore our blog for actionable strategies and insights into mindful screen time. Discover how Next Generation’s Nation Learning: NGN Learning Social, Emotional, Ethical and Logical Learning (SEEL) program empowers children with self-awareness, self-control, and critical thinking skills, fostering healthier habits and reducing screen dependency. From setting boundaries to prioritising educational content, find practical home-based strategies to reclaim family time and promote holistic well-being. Join us on a journey to nurture healthier digital habits and unlock the full potential of our children.

References:

1. [NCBI Article on Secondary School Children] (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10876028/)
2. [IJCM Article on High School Students] (https://www.ijcmph.com/index.php/ijcmph/article/view/9172)
3. [NCBI Article on Children’s Screen Time] (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6618175/)
4. [Frontiers in Human Dynamics Article on COVID-19 and Screen Time] (https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fhumd.2021.684137/full)
5. [UNICEF Report on Screen-Time Cutoffs] (https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fhumd.2021.684137/full)
6. https://www.indianpediatrics.net/epub122021/RECOMM-00384.pdf