Mental Health Minute
Associated Clinic of Psychology
NAVIGATING TECHNOLOGY & SCREEN TIME
dig·it·al na·tive
noun, plural: digital natives
a person born or brought up during the age of digital technology and therefore familiar with computers and the internet from an early age.
Our kids are 'digital natives'! They do not know a time before smartphones, tablets, games, TV on demand, and computers. Screens, technology and social media are such a big part of everyday in modern times that on average, children in the US ages 8-12 spend an average of 6 hours a day on screens, and teens spend up to 9 hours!
Technology is a tool and isn't going anywhere! It has undoubtedly enhanced learning, increased our ability to collaborate, allows accessibility, and is helping youth to build digital skills that are necessary in today's world. Over the past year, technology has helped us all continue to work, go to school, and maintain our relationships! However, there are possible concerns related to overuse including sedentary lifestyle habits, poor time management skills, decreased social skills, reduced attention span, poor sleep, and possible access to age-inappropriate content.
Boundaries
* Create (and enforce) tech- free zones like the dining room table and the bedroom.
* Identify what takes priority before screens...like homework, chores, outside time, family time.
* Have a safety talk! Talk specifically about the potential dangers of interacting with strangers online and teach them to not give out personal information online.
* Monitor sites that have 'in-app' purchases
Time
* Set tech-free time periods...maybe the hour before bed, an hour of family time after dinner, , etc
* Consider a hierarchy of screen time - ex: family movie time comes before individual Tik Tok time
* Replace screen time with other enjoyable activities. Kids will often lean towards the easiest source of entertainment/distraction (screens!). Join them to explore other ideas like outside time, reading, art, games/cards, etc.
Content
* Seek out age-appropriate sites and apps.
* Encourage 'active' technology meaning educational apps, researching, and skill development.
* Limit passive content/use - turn the background TV off, limit time spent watching video sites, scrolling through social media.
* Utilize sites like Common Sense Media for reviews of apps/games/websites. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/
SET INTENTIONAL TECH HABITS
1) Teach & talk! Kids get the device but do they have the knowledge and skills to navigate the digital world? Explore the ideas of how much personal information to share online, the digital footprints we all leave, how they feel when they are scrolling through social media, etc.
2) Be a digital mentor: As a parent, you are the top influencer in your child's life. Think about your own tech habits and the message they send to your children. Are you modeling and living a healthy consumption of technology?
3) Express interest & be informed: Ask your child to show you the game they are playing, the videos they are watching, and the social media they are using. Co-engage with them to understand what and how they are using technology.
4) Hold a family meeting to hear their thoughts, negotiate, compromise, and develop a plan based on your family values and rules. There are a lot of free templates/contracts out there. Check out an example of a family technology agreement at this link: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/when-kids-call-the-shots/201804/the-best-technology-screen-time-contract-kids
5) Use technology to your benefit! Consider using technology to set up parental controls and passwords to support youth in making healthy decisions online.
6) When in doubt, unplug! Give your family a digital detox day... or afternoon...or hour - whatever you get. Connect with some face time instead of Facetime!
Technology Red Flags
New research suggests that concerns may be less about the hours spent plugged in and more about whether technology is creating issues in other areas of a child's life. These are a few red flags that technology use may be becoming a problem for your child:
* struggles to moderate their use
* preoccupation with getting back on
* interference with social activities or other interests
* behavior problems and defiance
* sneaky use - downloading apps without your knowledge, sneaking extra time, sneaking devices into the bedroom at night, etc
* lost sleep or delayed bedtime
* use of screen time as a mood booster
HELP IS AVAILABLE
If you are concerned about your child's technology use and/or notice significant changes in your child’s behavior, such as sleep problems, major appetite changes, behavior or mood changes, or anxiety that makes it difficult for them to function, seek out support and consultation. Associated Clinic of Psychology is here to provide mental health services to students and their families. Consult with your child's school counselor or contact us directly with questions. www.acp-mn.com or 612-455-8643
Website: http://www.acp-mn.com/
Phone: 612-455-8643
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Associated-Clinic-of-Psychology-105770174439774