In today’s digitally driven world, technology seamlessly integrates into every aspect of our lives. From smartphones and tablets to laptops and smart TVs, screens constantly dominate our daily routines. While, parents may struggle with excessive screen time, students must cultivate digital skills to excel in academics and future careers.
Achieving a balanced approach that limits parental screen time while, fostering students’ technological proficiency is essential for overall well-being and development. In today’s digital era, parents often juggle numerous responsibilities, including work, household chores and parenting. The temptation to scroll through social media, watch videos or binge on series for relaxation leads to excessive screen time, digital fatigue and mental exhaustion resulting from excessive screen time. Furthermore, research indicates that during the COVID-19 pandemic, screen time increased significantly, with adults spending between 3 to 7.5 hours daily on digital devices resulting in heightened levels of stress, anxiety and depression.
Addressing digital fatigue requires conscious efforts to balance professional responsibilities with personal well-being. Implementing strategies such as setting boundaries for screen use, incorporating regular breaks and prioritising offline family activities can help alleviate the negative impacts of excessive screen time. Moreover, excessive screen time among parents can set a negative example for children. Children are likely to emulate the behaviour they observe, reinforcing a cycle of digital dependency within the household. It is essential for parents to consciously reduce their screen exposure to foster healthier lifestyles for themselves and their children. On the hand students live in a world that demands digital literacy.
Schools today are increasingly incorporating technology into the curriculum, from virtual learning platforms to coding programs, with the recent introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics.
Developing technological competence not only enhances the academic performance of the students, but also prepares them for future careers that are predominantly technology-driven.
By mastering digital tools, they can harness creativity, solve real-world problems and develop critical thinking abilities. Promoting healthy use of technology can help parents reduce unnecessary screen time while promoting productive digital engagement for students. Here are some practical strategies that can help achieve this balance:
1. Establish screen limits: Parents can create structured guidelines for screen use by setting specific schedules for themselves and their children.
For instance, inspired by initiatives like the ‘No Phone Zone’ campaign seen in many documentaries, where families designate areas like dining rooms and bedrooms as tech-free zones.
Similarly, schools that implemented smartphone bans, as shown in ‘Swiped: The School That Banned Smartphones’ demonstrated the positive impact of reduced screen time on student focus and family engagement. By following such examples, parents can promote meaningful face-to-face interactions at home.
2. Set a positive example: Children tend to mimic their parent’s behaviour. For example, inspired by the documentary Screenagers, families who reduce screen time and prioritise activities like reading, hobbies or outdoor play often see their children follow suit.
3. Encourage productive technology use: Not all screen time is detrimental. Encourage students to use technology for educational purposes such as researching, learning coding languages, or engaging in creative design. Platforms offering online courses, educational games and interactive simulations provide immense learning opportunities.
4. Promote digital literacy: Parents and educators can work together to promote digital proficiency. For instance, initiatives by the Indian Government like Atal Tinkering Labs encourage students to learn coding, robotics and digital innovation.
5. Monitor and guide: While students should explore technology, parental supervision remains crucial. For example, platforms like YouTube Kids and Netflix offer parental controls and content filters to ensure age-appropriate viewing.
6. Promote offline activities: Balance is key. Encourage students to engage in physical activities, sports and creative pursuits offline. Similarly, parents should prioritise offline hobbies, reducing their reliance on screens for leisure. There is no denying that educational institutions play a pivotal role in ensuring students develop robust tech skills.
Schools should organise coding boot camps, robotics workshops and digital literacy seminars at regular intervals. Collaborating with industry professionals to introduce students to real-world applications of technology can further enhance their learning experience.
Parenting workshops, digital detox challenges and support groups provide valuable resources and motivation to reduce screen dependence. In the digital age, while parents benefit from reducing their screen time, students gain significantly from developing technological competence.
By setting boundaries, fostering digital literacy and promoting offline activities, families can strike a healthy balance. Ultimately, the goal is not to eliminate technology but to use it purposefully and mindfully, empowering the next generation while nurturing meaningful human connections.
(The writer is an educator. Views expressed are personal)
