Effects of Screen Time & Children’s Mental Health

This session, with insights from family therapist Kevin Skinner, explores the impact of screen time on children’s mental health, emphasizing the rise in anxiety and depression linked to excessive digital use. It highlights the importance of setting boundaries, fostering solitude, and maintaining open communication with children about their screen habits.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to model healthy digital behavior and engage in screen-free family activities like cooking, hiking, and reading together – look below for 10 fun family activities. The session also stresses the need to cultivate a growth mindset in children, helping them develop resilience and balance in a technology-driven world.

Instant Insights

Deep Dive

Key Takeaways

1

Digital Wellness Awareness

Most kids, teens, and adults benefit from digital wellness, as heavy screen time is linked to anxiety, depression, and solitude deprivation in children and teens.
2

Determinants of Phubbing

Teach children to engage in face-to-face interactions without distractions from phones.
3

Importance of Boundaries

Setting clear digital boundaries and guidelines for children is crucial to prevent device dependency and compulsive usage.
4

Solitude Deprivation

Kids need alone time away from screens to connect with their thoughts, which is vital for mental health.
5

Family Connection

Engaging in screen-free activities with your children can strengthen family bonds and improve their mental well-being.
6

Role of Dopamine

Social media and screen time trigger dopamine release, leading to potential addiction and a need for moderation.
7

Communication is Key

Open-ended questions and regular conversations about screen habits are essential for monitoring and guiding children's digital behavior.
8

Growth Mindset

Encourage children to develop a growth mindset, helping them focus on activities that build self-confidence and resilience.
9

Parental Modeling

Parents should model balanced screen usage, demonstrating a healthy digital lifestyle.

10 Unplugged Activities You Can Do with Your Family

  1. Cook Together: Engage in cooking meals as a family, promoting collaboration and creativity.

  2. Nature Walks or Hikes: Take walks or hikes together to enjoy the outdoors and have meaningful conversations.

  3. Read Together: Read books aloud as a family or have a designated family reading time.

  4. Sing Together: Enjoy singing songs together, which is both fun and beneficial for mental health.

  5. Exercise as a Family: Participate in physical activities, like biking or playing sports, to encourage a healthy lifestyle.

  6. Journal Writing: Encourage kids to write in journals, reflecting on their day and thoughts.

  7. Family Game Nights: Plan regular game nights with board games or card games to foster family connection.

  8. Device-Free Car Rides: Use car rides as an opportunity to talk and connect without distractions from devices.

  9. Spend Time with Pets: Involve the family in caring for and playing with pets, which can be a relaxing and bonding activity.

  10. Plan Family Traditions: Create special family traditions or activities, such as weekend picnics or birthday celebrations, to draw kids away from screens.

Additional Resources

Get additional resources with our on-demand courses library

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For school leaders & community organizers, click here for additional resources.

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