Teens and screens: How much is too much?

Teens spend a lot of time in front of devices. But too much screen time might interfere with getting proper exercise, doing homework, being with friends, and spending time with family.

There is a sense of impending dread in the air… The winter school break is approaching! And, if the weather during the past few weeks is any indication, the kids will be confined to their televisions for the next month.

“By the time children enter adolescence, parents may feel less in control of their children’s screen time. Add to it a pandemic that compelled children to learn and socialise via screen, and it can be rather daunting,” says Jaco Joubert, brand manager for television brand SKYWORTH.

Not all screen time is created equally

Teens are more independent, yet it remains the responsibility of parents to determine when and how often they use screens. Teenagers may need to spend more time online to research school projects, but they may also spend a significant amount of time on social media, playing games, and watching television and YouTube videos.

Consequently, SKYWORTH has implemented Flicker Free Technology in their televisions. Flicker Free safeguards the eye from damaging blue light emitted by devices, such as televisions. Using a continuous dimming DC backlight source, the brightness of the backlight may be adjusted, eliminating flickering and enabling healthier television viewing.

8 Tips for healthy screen time

Here are a few suggestions on how to limit your teen’s screen time:

1. Encourage your teen to engage in a variety of screen-free activities, such as spending time with friends, reading (a real book), and physical activity.
2. Turn off all electronic devices during meals and at least one hour before bedtime.
3. Keep electronic gadgets with screens out of your teen’s bedroom at night to ensure they get adequate rest.
4. Investigate the video and computer games that your teen enjoys watching and playing. Examine the ratings, which range from EC (meaning “young children”) to AO (meaning “adults only”). Teens should be restricted to playing games classified T or younger.
5. Spend time with your teen watching television, playing video games, or browsing the Internet; use this time to converse and learn something new together.
6. Maintain the computer in a common location where you can monitor activity.
7. Teach your teen how to use the Internet and social media safely, and make sure they are aware of the risks associated with disclosing personal information online and cyberbullying.
8. Set a positive example by turning off televisions and other screens when not in use. Do not keep monitors on in the background. Turn off or mute your phone when not in use and during family activities.