By Dom Cioffi
I have been outspoken in my battle to rein in my son when it comes his time on digital devices, but some recent research has me especially worried. I hate to say it, but if I were to do it all over again – knowing what I know now – I’m confident I would not have introduced digital devices into our household as early as I did.
First of all, let’s define the most common term used with this topic: “screen time.”
“Screen time” is defined as the amount of time spent using any device with a digital screen, such as a smartphone, a computer, a television, or a video game console. Up until recently, screen time was an estimation of the time spent by an adult or child on a device, but apps now exist (ironically) that keep meticulous track of our personal usage while also offering strategies to limit or reduce the time in which we engage.
So, why all the attention to the amount of time we interact with digital devices? The simple answer: It’s just not healthy for our minds or bodies.
Studies continue to show stronger and stronger correlations between screen time and mental and physical health issues. There is also good evidence that screen time directly impacts child development, especially when you factor in excessive time and exposure to harmful or negative content.
Excessive screen time is also linked to sleep disorders in children, as well as behavioral issues, developmental delays, and learning disabilities, with ever more convincing data being released annually.
And it’s not much better for adults where direct links between excessive screen time and depression and anxiety are now well documented.
So, just how ubiquitous is screen time for the average American? Well, a survey in 2019 determined that 81% of adults reported owning a smartphone. Factor in the Covid pandemic and the fact that the aforementioned survey is two years old, and it’s safe to say the percentage has increased.
Even more startling is the statistic that shows that American children age 13-18 are engaged with a screen nearly 7.5 hours a day. My son is right in the heart of this age group and if I weren’t on his case daily, he would easily hit this disturbing number (which is basically equivalent to a full-time job).
When I sensed that my son was being taken advantage of by devices and apps intent on commandeering his attention, I made every argument in the world to try to persuade him to cut back. I even had him sit down and watch “The Social Dilemma,” which is the single greatest exposé on the subject (and a documentary I highly recommend if you’re really interested in a deep dive on the subject).
He watched, he listened, he even agreed. To no avail, however. The devices and their ability to engage are simply too powerful, especially for a teenager with little or no experience in personal discipline.
In fact, the only thing I’ve found that helps curtail his usage is the Screen Time app on his iPhone. I had heard about the app but never really looked into until a friend admonished me for not using it.
So, I did a little research, figured out how it worked, and after an hour or so, turned it on. My son’s immediate reaction was visceral. In fact, the first week after I launched the app, he was absolutely miserable. But you know what? He got used to it.
Now it’s just a part of our lives. If he wants to engage with his friends on Snapchat or detach for a little while to play a game, he knows he’s got to get some positive things accomplished ahead of time. He also knows that his time is limited and will shut down according to an exacting schedule.
This week’s film, “Mank,” also features a schedule, but in this case, it’s a schedule to write the screenplay for one of the greatest movies in motion picture history.
Gary Oldman stars as Herman J. Mankiewicz, the heralded Hollywood screenwriter that Orson Wells tapped when he embarked on making his epic 1941 drama, “Citizen Kane.”
Director Jack Fincher originally wrote the screenplay for his son David to direct but died before anything was accomplished. Jump ahead 25 years and the young Fincher has finally brought his father’s story to the big screen, and to great critical acclaim.
“Mank” is up for 10 Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Actor. I was absolutely mesmerized by the cinematography and cadence of this film. It’s made in the classic Hollywood black and white style, but it’s still more colorful than most films made today.
A positively distracting “A-” for “Mank.” (Available to stream on Netflix.)
Got a question or comment for Dom? You can email him at [email protected].
