W
e wake up the morning and before speaking to anyone we say
“hello” to our phone. On the way to the bathroom, we check our
messages. On the bus or metro, we play games and listen to music,
earphones in. Waiting anywhere is a chance to engage with anything on the
phone. It’s the last thing we look at before we go to sleep.
Many of us may not feel we have a web addiction, but in truth, most of
us have some level of dependency. And we are not alone. In China, there are
currently 400 centres offering intensive treatment for web addiction.
Do you have a problem?
Answer these questions honestly to determine your relationship with
technology.
Q: How does my relationship to technology distract me?
Q: What information do I consciously take in that helps my well-being?
Q: Am I using technology as a tool for distraction and avoidance?
Q: Does my relationship with my screen keep me away from my family?
It is important to recall that technology is a tool. It is up to us to how we
use it. Similarly, it is a tool for our children. Teenagers, on average, spend six
to eight hours on screens after school, doing homework while chatting and
messaging with their friends, watching video clips and surfing.
We are powerful role models for our children. Are we fostering a
generation of internet addicts? Is your teen:
• Preoccupied with the internet?
• Staying online much longer than originally intended?
• Showing aggression when their online time is interrupted?
• Increasingly giving up time with “real life” friends?
• Unable to sleep, and/or abnormally irritable, moody or lethargic?
What can you do?
Prevent addiction before it starts. The solution begins with parents: model
the behaviour you want to see and put away your own screens, including
smartphones, tablets and laptops.
Plan family time together that is active and fulfilling. Encourage “real life”
interaction between family and friends. Invest in your children by giving them
your time away from screens. Try incorporating these activities into your weekly
schedule:
• Plan two game nights per week. Break out the cards and board games!
• Go hiking as a family on the weekend. There are trails for every level.
• Host a movie night. Watch something old or new together, and don’t forget
the popcorn.
• Read and talk about topics of interest to you and your kids. This can range
from discussing the latest YouTube heroes, to what’s happening in world
news.
• Read the same books as your older kids. Discuss. Keep on top of new
releases, and plough through trilogies and sequels together.
• Get outside and get active. Go out and kick the ball around. Play catch.
Play tag.
• Be mindfully present for them so they can talk to you when they need you.
Technology does not need to be eradicated from our lives, but we must
make thoughtful choices about how we use it, why we need it, and when we
should put it away. It is critical we do this for ourselves and our children.
Screen addiction starts at home,
writes
Dr Quratulain Zaidi
Screen savers
Dr Quratulain Zaidi
(BSc. Hons, MSc, MSc, PhD).
Dr. Zaidi is a British-qualified and registered Clinical
Psychologist, and works as mental health consultant
for a number of international schools in Hong Kong
and has her office in Central. She is an expert in
educational assessments and specialises family
issues including cybersafety, teen parenting, bullying,
eating challenges, and self-harm. Learn more at
.
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