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As a business owner and parent, I understand the struggle of balancing the benefits of technology with its potential negative impact on mental health. In this digital age, finding the right balance between screen time and other activities is crucial for the well-being of both children and adults. Join me on this journey as we explore how to prioritize mental health while navigating the digital landscape.
The balancing act
When it comes to digital devices, finding the sweet spot between too much and too little is vital for a healthy relationship with technology. Screen time can be beneficial for children’s mental development, allowing them to learn new skills, connect with others and discover new interests. However, too much screen time can have negative consequences, such as sleep disruption, decreased physical activity, and a higher risk of depression and anxiety.
Striking the right balance between screen time and other activities can help children reap the benefits of technology without harming their mental well-being. Encourage your children to partake in outdoor play, creative endeavors and social interactions as a counterbalance to their digital diets. You may be pleasantly surprised to discover that their new off-screen hobbies bring about laughter, a surge of creativity and unbridled joy.
Related: Are Digital Gadgets Good For Your Children?
Sleep vs. screen time: The eternal struggle
A good night’s sleep is essential for children’s mental health, but bedtime tantrums are real, especially when a digital device is lying around. The blue light from screens can deceive their brains into thinking it’s daytime, making it harder for them to drift off to dreamland. To avoid tossing and turning and the dreaded cranky mornings, establish a screen-free bedtime routine with calming activities such as reading, puzzles or meditation. And who knows? You might just score some much-needed peace and quiet…maybe.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, children between the ages of 6 and 13 need between 9 and 11 hours of sleep per night. Lack of sleep can affect children’s cognitive abilities, behavior, and emotional well-being. Therefore, it’s important to establish healthy sleep habits that include a screen-free bedtime routine.
The social scene: Fostering connections in the digital age
Technology is a double-edged sword – while it allows our kids to connect with friends and family near and far, it can also inadvertently lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. A study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology found that people who spend more time on social media experience higher levels of anxiety and depression.
To combat the negative effects of social media, encourage your children to maintain in-person connections and engage in group activities to boost their mental well-being. By finding a balance between online and offline social interactions, you’ll help them forge strong relationships and cultivate a sense of belonging. You can also set boundaries around screen time, such as limiting the use of devices during meal times or family outings.
Screen time 2.0: Mindfulness in the digital world
Not all screen time is equal. While aimlessly scrolling social media or binge-watching YouTube videos might not be a mental health booster, engaging in educational, creative or interactive content can yield positive results. Prod your kids to use their screen time wisely by exploring educational apps, acquiring new skills or joining virtual clubs and organizations. Mindfulness is the secret sauce that makes a world of difference.
Mindfulness is the practice of being present and aware of one’s thoughts and feelings. It can help children and adults develop emotional regulation, reduce stress and anxiety and improve focus and attention. Encouraging children to practice mindfulness while using digital devices can help them develop a positive relationship with technology.
Related: How Leaders Can Create a Company Culture that Prioritizes Mental Health
The holy grail: Quality time with your kiddos
In this digital era, the importance of quality time with your children cannot be overstated. By setting aside regular screen-free family time, you’ll strengthen your bond and support their mental health. Whether it’s a family game night, a shared meal or a weekend escapade, these moments of connection are invaluable in creating a nurturing and supportive environment for your offspring.
Research has shown that quality family time can lead to better mental health outcomes for children, including improved social skills, self-esteem, and resilience. It can also help reduce the negative effects of screen time and strengthen the parent-child relationship.
Related: How to Raise Entrepreneurial Minded Kids
The role of parents
As parents, it’s our responsibility to model healthy screen habits and establish guidelines for our children’s digital use. This includes setting limits on screen time, monitoring their online activities, and promoting the use of technology for educational and creative purposes.
It’s also important to have open and honest conversations with our children about the potential negative effects of screen time on mental health and the importance of finding balance in all aspects of life. By working together as a family, we can create a positive relationship with technology while prioritizing mental health and well-being.
Navigating the digital landscape while prioritizing mental health for children and adults can be thrilling and challenging. By embracing the quirks and complexities of life in a tech-saturated world while remaining vigilant about promoting healthy screen habits for all ages, we can raise resilient beings who can thrive both online and offline. As parents and individuals in this new tech epoch, we’re doing our best. So let’s cut ourselves some slack and continue on this journey with a focus on creating a positive relationship with technology. By prioritizing mental health and well-being, we can ensure a bright and healthy future for ourselves and our children (and more sleep?…maybe, maybe not).
This story originally appeared on Entrepreneur
