Back to School

Technology has become so ingrained in our society and everyday lives that we hardly ever take the time to stop and think about the way it is affecting us. Although Millennials are considered to be the first generation to grow up with the internet and social media, technology’s role in daily life has increased with every subsequent generation. For many members of Generation Z and Generation Alpha, the internet is an online extension of the real world, providing opportunities for social connection, careers, and activism. The more ingrained technology becomes in our lives, from smart homes to social media to Artificial Intelligence, the more crucial it is to be aware of how our consumption is affecting us. 

Many studies have shown that excessive screen time can have negative impacts on cognitive development, sleep, and physical and mental health. While entirely removing technology from our lives is not neither feasible nor beneficial, however, knowing the risks of over exposure can help us make better choices for ourselves and the children in our care.

A Canadian study found that preschoolers that exceeded the recommended daily screen time exhibited signs of a lower working memory than those who met screen time recommendations (Zhang, et al.) of (add the time limit here). A decreased working memory impacts a child’s ability to retain information, leading to potential learning difficulties. Overexposure to technology has also been linked with ADHD-like symptoms. A 2018 study of roughly 2,500 high schoolers found that students who reported higher technology uses exhibited signs of “Inattention, such as a difficulty organizing and completing tasks” and “Hyperactivity-impulsivity, such as having trouble sitting still” (2). 

Believe it or not, technology affects us while we sleep as well as during waking hours. Screens emit a blue light that has been found to suppress melatonin production in the brain. The Society of Behavioral Medicines writes that this blue light disrupts our circadian rhythm, making it harder to fall and stay asleep throughout the night (Gratton). The closer a screen is to our faces, like a cellphone, the more the blue light affects us. Additionally, scrolling on our phones late at night keeps our minds alert and stimulated, making it harder for us to wind down and rest. 

Over exposure to electronic screens and social media has also been linked to physical and mental health concerns. A New York Presbyterian Hospital writes that “excessive screen time and sleep deprivation are linked to obesity, which in turn can affect self-esteem and lead to social isolation and more screen time” (Cross). Unregulated access to social media and the internet can also expose younger children to inappropriate subjects such as drugs, sex, and violence. The apparent anonymity of the internet also creates a breeding ground for cyber bullying, as 44% of social media users in 2020 reported experiencing online harassment (Vigderman). The loneliness and bullying that many experience on social media can lead to anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. 

Technology, in every form, has permeated into moar facet of our lives, from home, to work, to school. With back-to-school season approaching, students will no doubt be exposed to screens as a part of their education process. 

For this reason, it is important to understand the risks and negative side effects that are linked to prolonged exposure to technology and ensure proper screen time consumption at home. If unchecked, technology can do more to harm than help children’s development, education, and mental health.

So here a few tips as you prepare to go back to school:
          1. Educate

         Children growing up today have likely been around screens since they were born, so they consider them a natural norm, making it harder to separate online life from real life. Educate yourself along with your children about the harms of screentime and how to properly integrate technology into their lives without sacrificing real-world learning and social experiences. 

          2. Encourage

         Kids often turn to their screens because they are bored. To mitigate this, encourage your children to participate in screen-free activities like sports, arts and crafts, and family game nights. These real-life interactions will help your children develop emotional maturity and social skills. Boredom is a great tool that can lead to creativity. Give them space to be bored. 

         3. Resilience

​          A big word with even bigger meaning is such a gift for your child. Teaching our kids it’s ok to fail, to learn failure is not fatal as that’s where the lessons are for life and that starts with us. As parents sharing a mistake we made as kids, not always having the answers and discovering them together build resilience for our children. A resilient child can take on the world and be the leader they are born to be. 
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         4. Example

         Lead by example. While today's youth is fully engrossed in technology, so are the adults. Children, especially at a young age, learn by mirroring their parents. We encourage parents and care takers to put down their phones too and prioritize screen-free time. Play board games, go for walks, have a dance party or play charades. Engaging their brain outside of technology builds skills and you’ll create some great memories. 

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The expansion of technology into every aspect of our lives can make us feel helpless in resisting its draw. However, education, good tech habits, and parent engagement can do a lot to mitigate the mental and physical risks associated with overexposure to technology. These habits begin with our parents and educators, who can then pass them down to their children and students. With your help, we can begin to build a more conscious world that uses technology as a tool rather than a crutch.

1. https://www.thewhitehatter.ca/post/the-onlife-world-how-different-generations-integrated-technology-into-their-lives 
2. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/screen-time-and-adhd
3. https://academic.oup.com/pch/article-abstract/27/2/105/6358122#no-access-message (Zhang)
4. https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1111&context=familyperspectives
5. Gratton - https://www.sbm.org/healthy-living/blue-in-the-face-the-effects-of-blue-light-on-sleep?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1678273678&gbraid=0AAAAAC8Q9sU8I4i6n98DuszsFrbzjtYEn&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjo7DBhCrARIsACWauSnsuuipjdrw6L41O9gX7ag4T6REXNVBS6Z3qZbBS-Gr14HIUBkewbEaAvjREALw_wcB
6. Cross - https://healthmatters.nyp.org/what-does-too-much-screen-time-do-to-childrens-brains/

7. Vigderman - https://www.security.org/resources/cyberbullying-facts-statistics/