How Much Screen Time is Too Much?

With more aspects of our lives being moved to the online realm, it can be challenging to determine how much screen time is too much for each of us. As parents, we want to be present with our families. We also want to ensure that we’re finding that delicate balance between usefulness and too much screen time. Particularly for our children and teens.

How can you help your teen balance his screen time healthily, allowing him to keep up with school demands and ensuring he’s still enjoying his time online versus being wholly absorbed into an online culture?

The problem of too much screen time

If so many aspects of our lives have shifted online, what is the problem with spending too much time in front of a device? The concerns adults face can be similar to teens' issues, but there are also a few key differences. Some of the considerations for both can include the following.

• Forgetting other responsibilities because of being too absorbed in social media or a game. This may include work, school, or household and family responsibilities.
• Being unable to keep up with each responsibility or deadline due to being too distracted.
• Getting too caught up in online activities and sites creates a false sense of what life and success should be.
• Increase in anxiety and the potential for depression when life doesn’t seem to align with what is being shown off online.
• Physical health concerns can become an issue, mainly when screen time results in less time spent going for a walk or generally moving the body.

For teens specifically, some concerns with too much screen time can include the following:

• Isolation from family and friends, as they get drawn more into the virtual world accessed through their smartphones, tablets, laptops, or gaming consoles.
• Impacts on friendships can be pretty sudden and final. Whether due to a teen spending more time in front of a device or an argument that erupted online with friends.
• Sleep disruptions can take a toll on a teen, particularly during school. Your teen may prefer to spend all night in front of a device and then find himself struggling in school the next day.
• With a lack of sleep can also come an increase in learning problems. Your teen may also already be struggling with ADHD. The combination can be frustrating for a teen who finds he can’t keep up with the demands at school.

Is your teen getting too much screen time?

If your teen appears to be withdrawing from family and friends and spending increasing amounts of time sinking into his devices, you may need to step in and intervene. But just how much screen time is too much?

Opinions are mixed on this topic, as is the case with most situations surrounding parenting and teen parenting. You know your teen and his schedule better than anyone else. You’ll be able to make the decision as to whether he’s getting too much screen time. If he’s pulling away from family and friends and spending more time buried in gadgets, you’ll recognize the signs of a potential issue.

Finding screen time balance

How can you find that all-important balance for your teen? He needs to use at least some of his devices for schoolwork. And there is also going to be the need to keep up with his digital schedule, which could include extracurricular activities and sports, his social activities, and of course, some time for unwinding.

Start by discussing with your teen the importance of finding that balance. Let him know that setting boundaries is not meant to control him but to help him better balance his screen time with the other obligations and responsibilities in his life. If he feels overburdened with commitments and responsibilities, now is the time to better work through that with him to balance everything in his life.

Help your teen develop a better routine that makes sense to both of you. His routine should allow him plenty of time to rest and relax after school and work if he has a job. If he prefers to spend time gaming, be sure to explain that boundaries and time limits are included.

Most of us lack the willpower to simply turn our devices off after a set time. Consider installing an application on his devices to help better manage screen time. With the addition of an app, your teen will receive a reminder to put down the device. Some apps may also completely disable the device until either the next approved time for play or inputting a password. There are many options to consider, so take some time to research the one that may work for you and your teen.

It's also worth noting that teens will often follow the lead of those around them. If you are constantly glued to your devices and put no limits on your screen time, it will feel very unfair and unreasonable to your teen. Figure out where you can adjust and limit your screen time. This will have the bonus of keeping you engaged with your teen and the rest of your family. You may be surprised at how much your communication and relationships improve when you step away from the devices for a time.

If your teen has been struggling with his mental health, addiction to gaming, or even substances, you may find the solution in a residential treatment center. The compassionate and well-trained staff at Liahona Academy can help guide your teen back to the right track.