There are many reasons to diminish the number of hours we spend on screens (especially in light of the COVID-19 Pandemic), but allowing screens to rule our minds can ultimately fatigue our pleasure receptors in our minds and develop intense addictions to screens. Kids are more susceptible to screen/technology addictions as their minds are developing, maturing, and growing.

In light of Pediatric Mental Health Awareness Week (May 3-9, 2020), here are 5 reasons to limit kids (and your) screen time.

1. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests strong limits on grade school kids and no screen time before 24 months old;

2. This 2018 study in Icelandic Adolescents found that: “Reports of less screen time and more frequent vigorous physical activity were associated with [a] lower risk of reporting mental health problems”;

3. Based on the Dopamine Reward Pathway (the process for the brain to metabolize Dopamine, the chemical that gives pleasure as in consuming sweets or having sex) in the brain, phones are linked to the secretion of dopamine (and other chemicals that stimulate the brain) and not relationships, exploration and task completion;

4. There are comorbidities between adolescent screen time and mental health concerns, physical health concerns, and consequences;

5. This powerful article from The Atlantic notes: “these unnaturally large rewards are not filtered in the brain – they go directly into the brain and overstimulate, which can generate addiction… when that happens, we lose our willpower”.

The bottom line is that addictions to mobile screens are not all that different than addictions to gambling or even substances. If we are not careful with tech, it will rule minds ling before it rules lives. 

Too Long/Didn’t Read: Without limits on screen time, there are mental and physical health concerns that develop and are self-reinforcing… a dangerous combination for adults, let alone kids.

©Grayson Wallen 2021. All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions Apply.

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