Improving wellbeing by reducing screen time

It’s a common problem – many children and teenagers are addicted to their screens, which has been linked to depression, anxiety and low self-esteem.

To help parents navigate this problem KDS has introduced a new wellbeing program, Ctrl Alt Del – where each family can commit to reducing social media and technology use in the lives of their children. It was launched on May 14 with a panel event comprising KDS vice-principal David Opat, KDS wellbeing coordinator Chanie Stock, TV host Charlie Pickering, and doctor and wellness expert Dr Elise Bialylew.

Author of The Happiness Plan’, Bialylew explained the science behind the addiction of social media.

“I don’t know if parents really understand that they are actually addicted [to social media] neurobiologically, in the same way that a drug addict is addicted to drugs or a gambler is addicted to gambling … Social media, like any other addiction really hacks into the reward circuitry of the brain … when you get the likes … you’re getting dopamine released and dopamine is a pleasure molecule, but … it doesn’t lead to satisfaction. What it actually does is drive desire and craving so that you constantly need more.

“As we saturate the brain in dopamine from these external sources our body wants to find balance, and so we actually stop producing dopamine in the body and that’s causing this withdrawal … so they actually have a compulsive need to have more and more so that they can avoid the discomfort of that withdrawal.

“It’s therefore our responsibility [as parents] to put those guardrails to protect them, and allow the brain to find its balance again and to break the cycle of dependence that all these kids have,” she said.

To help, KDS is facilitating the supply of dumb phones to parents, as opposed to smartphones – which enable parents to call/text, without the distraction of apps, social media and the internet. The school is also providing vouchers for a series of positive family experiences to help fill the void of reduced screen time. This will be complemented by a series of educational events hosted by KDS to help parents and children. The aim is that if a majority of families commit to this program parents will feel empowered to manage the issue.

KDS stated, “This program is about helping parents to act if they choose to do so, it is not telling parents how to live their lives. Our hope is that the King David community comes together and creates an even more special place where children have deep and supportive friendships. Where cyberbullying is non-existent. Where children can have childhood, not adulthood. Where mental health flourishes.”