Break Screen Addictions One Day At A Time
With Tech-Break
Tech addiction affects us in ways we don’t even realise… until it becomes a problem.
We’re all guilty of spending too much time online – albeit on our phones, computers or whatever device we can get our hands on. And it’s not hard to see why given that due to consumerism, we’re eager to get our hands on the next best thing in the technology market.
Whilst technology itself is convenient and offers many benefits to us individually and collectively – such as keeping us in loop with each other via social media and keeping us informed through various news outlets and media sources for entertainment, it’s very easy to lose ourselves when immersing into our screens. Which could lead to long-term effects related to screen addiction.
“Adults in the UK spend an average of six hours and 25 minutes on their phones, TVs and laptops each day during lockdown. Whereas 41% of parents of 12 to 15-year-olds find it hard to control their child’s screen time” – OFCOM
However thanks to Tech-Break, our latest device enables parents to regain control of their family time through the management of screen usage within their homes.
The handy device features a cushioned interior and ventilated exterior, designed to store gadgets including mobile devices, gaming controllers, tablets and handheld consoles, keeping them safe from overheating and scratches whilst locked away.
The locking mechanism itself is customisable – as you can set the timer for as little as 30 minutes or for multiple days depending on your preference. With a useful countdown feature, the clock displays remaining time and once the countdown is complete, the door springs open making the compact storage device all the more appealing.
Humans as social beings, have been proven to be reliant on human contact for both our emotional and physiological well-being. However as highlighted throughout the pandemic; what with the restrictions around physical proximity, many have been heavily reliant on the use of social media for online communication – with figures still on a significant rise.
NHS Digital reported that 95% of 11-19 year olds use social media and 89% use it every day.
“62% of polled UK adults saying they ‘hate’ how much time they spend on their phone” – Time To Log Off.
Tech-addiction poses both short-term and long-term risks. Key examples being –
Physical Strain on the Eyes – Spending long hours staring at a screen definitely takes its toll on your body, especially your eyes. Excessive screen time not only strains your eyes and leaves them feeling dry, but can also lead to retina damage and blurred vision.
OFCOM found that during lockdown people in the UK were spending around 40% of their time watching TV and online video.
“Out of 2,000 people surveyed, half used screens more since Covid struck and a third (38%) of those believed their eyesight had worsened, a survey suggested” – Fight for Sight
SLEEP DEPRIVATION
The amount of screen time you clock has a direct impact on how much sleep you are getting, given that the blue light emitted from digital screens interferes with the production of the sleep hormone melatonin in your body. This is why using digital devices right before bedtime makes it much harder for you to fall asleep.
Children may be more susceptible to artificial light suppressing the sleep hormone melatonin – RCP
“7 out of 10 children said they had missed out on sleep because of their online habits” – BESA
IMPAIRED SOCIAL SKILLS
We don’t have many real-life interactions when we are preoccupied with what’s happening on our screen. This could lead to increasing anti-social tendencies and feelings of withdrawal.
“Recent research has shown that screen time is negatively associated with social skills development in toddlers.
Specifically, the more time they spend with devices the more their social development suffers in the areas of relating and interacting with others and compliance with directions and ability to help others” – BMC Public Health
LOWER SELF-ESTEEM AND EFFECTS TO MENTAL HEALTH
Spending too much time in the virtual world of screens can also have a negative impact on how you perceive yourself.
The time you lose that could have been spent on forming relationships with other people, discovering and honing your passions, and creating new experiences leads to a weakened sense of self-identity and confidence. When the bulk of your time is spent on social media sites, this problem is exacerbated because you may end up worrying more about your virtual self-image instead of your real one.
For children and youth, the dangers of cyberbullying and self-image issues are particularly worrying.
“27.3% of children (aged 11-19) felt they compare themselves to others on social media” – NHS Digital
“Teens who report the least in-person interaction and the most screen time have the highest rates of loneliness and depression” – SAGE Journal
“One in five girls between 11 and 19 have been bullied online in the past year” – NHS Digital
“16.7% of boys between 11 and 19 have been bullied online in the past year” – NHS Digital
DELAYED LEARNING IN CHILDREN
When it comes to young children, the alteration of the brain’s structure due to excessive screen time can impact their learning abilities.
Letting children watch educational programs may not be the best way to educate them either – young children learn better by physically exploring, and letting them watch shows passively hinders their brains from being active and engaged.
“66% of 5-7 year olds watch TV, play games and go online for 30 hours a week (over 4 hours a day)
81% 8-11 year olds watch TV, play games and go online for 37.5 hours a week” – RCP
The figures mentioned above are fundamental in highlighting the issues that come with tech-addiction and courtesy of Tech-Break, our device can aide with screen time reduction within households before it’s too late.
Cut down on the mindless scrolling and take control of your family life with Tech-Break.