Max Minkowski, 13, from the Czech Republic, is a member of the first true smartphone generation. Now he says it is time for adults to act to help teenagers cut down on screen time.
“The digital world is now the real world, and it’s time we started treating it that way,” says Tristan HarrisThe co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology in the US, he has been described as “the nearest thing Silicon Valley has to a conscience”., an American technology ethicist.
It is no surprise that teenagers spend way too much time on their screens. The average time they spend in a day is eight hours and 39 minutes!1 These numbers are absolutely atrociousVery bad. . But how can teenagers, with support from parents and society, lower their screen time? And what are the risks of spending so much time glued to a screen?
Excessive screen time comes with various risks. You can develop sleep disorders, neck pain, mental health issues, eyesight problems, concentration difficulties and learning challenges, among other concerns.2 These are significant issues that can affect teenagers’ overall well-being. From my own experience in primary school, I felt left out around Year Four because I didn’t have my own phone.
However, I learned to value school more because it was the only time I could really talk with friends, as we lived far apart. Recently, after getting my first phone, I’ve noticed frequent headaches and worsening eyesight, which shows that small screens are harmful.
We can minimise screen time by doing other activities, such as sports or going for walks. While stepping away from the screen might be hard at first, it can open doors to discovering new passions and healthier forms of entertainment. If you like sports, you can join team activities, such as football or basketball, which can help improve communication skills and allow you to make more friends.
Having more friends means you can hang out with them, reducing the need for screens. For those who don’t enjoy sports, there are plenty of other options. Teens could spend time at the park with friends, read a book, or pursue a creative hobby.
As a young person myself, I’m not suggesting teenagers completely abandon the internet, but rather that they find a balance. For example, those who love playing video games can choose to play cooperatively with friends, and those who enjoy social media can take their interactions offline by organising outings with friends.
I think schools and governments could do more to help students manage their time on screens. In my opinion, it’s very important for governments to reduce screen time in schools because young people should communicate with each other in person instead of checking social media. Schools could ban phones during break times because you don’t need to be online if you’re just talking with friends.
To minimise the negative effects on students’ health and future, we should all think about ways to use screens more responsibly. As Dr. Edward Hallowell reminds us, the key is to take charge of your screen use.3 By finding this balance, teens can enjoy the benefits of the digital world without becoming overwhelmed by it.
“We may have to exercise discipline to use the controls we have, but we are not slaves to these
devices unless we allow ourselves to become so,” Hallowell argues. “To me, the trick is to put yourself in charge of your screens instead of allowing your screens to be in charge of you.”
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Keywords
Tristan Harris – The co-founder of the Center for Humane Technology in the US, he has been described as “the nearest thing Silicon Valley has to a conscience”.
Atrocious – Very bad.
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