A recent survey has revealed a pressing concern in Queensland: over the past year, most young adults (aged 15-24) have reported negative changes in their health and wellbeing. Our chief health minister has pointed the finger at smartphones and social media for this alarming trend.
In an article for ABC News, Dr John Garrard said, "One of the most dramatic indicators is the instances of hospitalisation due to self-harm in young children aged 10 to 14 has almost [tripled] over the last decade." He puts the global decline of mental health in young people, which started in 2010, down to the release of the first smartphone.
This reinforces our responsibility as educators and parents. But it’s not always easy. How can we approach this issue with our teens when limiting their time on a smartphone makes them feel like we’re infringing on their human rights? We understand how convenient smartphones are for information, entertainment, and communication with the important people in our lives—but a smartphone can feel like lifeblood to a teenager!
The goal isn't to completely restrict access but to help our children develop a healthier relationship with technology. This means that the first BIG step is getting our children on board.
I have some ideas about how you might reach an agreement on the topic:
- Start a conversation about the recent survey findings. Ask them open-ended questions about how they feel when social pressure is applied every minute of the day.
- Search for a phrase like this: "The impact of social media on the adolescent brain." Here are some articles to get you started: 1, 2, 3, and 4.
- Discuss the concept of "home as a sanctuary." Explain what they have been doing as similar to bringing your work colleagues home to have a say in all your interactions with them! Suggest that being at home should give them much-needed space for personal reflection and relaxation, but this can’t happen with a smartphone in the bedroom!
- Reach an agreement about taking much-needed breaks. This might need to start small and gradually increase over a week or two. See ideas for how to achieve this below.
As educators and parents (and parents who are educators), we can and should guide our children's healthy use of technology. Here are some suggestions for creating better digital habits:
- Establish tech-free zones and times in your home
- Set a "bedtime" for devices. When should they be turned off and charged outside of bedrooms?
- Model balanced technology. (Don’t fall in the trap of “Do as I say,” but neglect to model it yourself.)
- Encourage face-to-face social interactions and outdoor activities. (Look for and provide these opportunities for the whole family.)
- Talk openly with your child about social media's positives as well as its potential pitfalls.
- Consider using parental controls or monitoring apps, especially for younger teens.
- Make time for regular conversations about your child's online experiences.
There’s one other thing I’d like you to think about. Changing habits now can present difficulties with their peers. What can they say if their peers make criticisms or comments about them not having a phone available all the time? I used to tell my boys to blame me: “Yeah, I have a tough Dad [or Mum].” This will take the heat off them as they navigate this difficult space.
By working together as a school community, we can empower our students to use digital media in a way that enables them to stay healthy. Please reach out if you need additional resources or support in navigating this challenging issue.
