Chances are, if you’re a parent or guardian reading this article, then you’re worried about your teen’s usage of digital devices and screens.
While technology has allowed all of us to stay interconnected, it has also inundated every aspect of our lives. It’s nearly impossible to have a tech-free, screen-free day today. While adults may have a better sense of monitoring their technology usage, it can be more challenging for teenagers who are compelled to reach for a screen to distract themselves in the moment.
Even with all of its benefits, digital technology is one major cause of the mental health crisis today. Technology usage can lead to increased depression levels, higher anxiety, insomnia, social comparison, and addiction. The moment a teen opens a social media app such as Instagram or TikTok, they can start comparing their lives to others. As a result, they may feel inadequate with their appearance and characteristics. Online harassment and cyberbullying continue to be major problems as teens pester and hassle one another with mean-hearted comments and messages.
These types of behaviors can lead to poor mental health for teens, which can result in larger issues such as drug or alcohol addiction, possibly requiring inpatient treatment for substance abuse. To avoid these scenarios, it’s important to support your teen’s mental health early on and responsibly but consistently monitor their technology usage. Here are a few tips to help get you started.
1. Set Reasonable Technology Boundaries
This first tip may be one of the hardest ones for teens to adjust to; however, setting technology boundaries early on in life can set them up for long-term success. As a parent or caregiver, you know how easy it is to spend mindless hours on a screen every day. From the moment you wake up to your phone’s alarm, you are constantly grabbing your phone to text, email, or scroll on social media. And of course, mobile devices are only one screen. Televisions, computers, and even wearable devices are all addictive pieces of technology designed to lure you in.
Establishing reasonable screen time limits can be a good step in supporting a teen’s overall mental health. Too much technology can contribute to anxiety, feelings of shame or inadequacy, and cyberbullying. Not to mention, being in front of a screen means teens are connecting with others in real life or experiencing the joy of going outside and playing with friends.
In addition to setting time limits, think about setting up device-free zones within your home. Having a “no phones” policy at the dining table enables the entire family to be present while eating together. Keeping a safebox or lockbox in the kitchen for everyone to store their phones at night means that your teen won’t be browsing the Internet or texting with their friends at all hours of the night.
2. Encourage Offline Activities
With less screen time, your teens will have more time to partake in other interests and hobbies. Encouraging offline activities can promote confidence levels, boost self-esteem, and cultivate new learning patterns. If your teen shows interest in playing a school sport, give them the push they need to try out. Or perhaps your teen expresses interest in the arts. Maybe they can sign up for the next school play and help out backstage with the crew.
In addition to school-based activities, there are countless other options for teens to explore. Foodie teens can be in charge of cooking dinner for the family once per week. This means finding a recipe, getting all the necessary ingredients, and planning when they’ll have the time to cook. If you have a garden, maybe your teen can be in charge of one plot of land or a specific sectioned area. Let them grow whatever herbs, vegetables, or flowers their heart desires. For those who love to read, sign them up for a library card so they can read physical books instead of being hooked on a Kindle or other e-reader.
By encouraging offline activities, your teen will be participating in more healthful hobbies that they can carry with them throughout adulthood. They’ll be connecting with classmates or peers similar in age while also learning and doing something they love.
3. Foster Open Communication
Just because you’re limiting screen time and encouraging other hobbies doesn’t mean that your teen will be screen-free. Your child may have a school-issued laptop or tablet for classroom work and homework. They may even have a smartphone to contact you or a caregiver in times of need. And television may be part of your family’s wind-down routine on the weekends.
Because you can’t eliminate screens, the next best thing is fostering open communication between yourself and your teenager. Establishing a safe space for your child to talk to you about what they’re seeing or reading online can help them see for themselves the importance of screen time balance. It can also alert you when something has gone awry or when an adult needs to get involved in a situation. If you notice that your teen is acting strangely or avoiding conversations, it’s a good sign that something is bothering them and that parental guidance may be necessary.
This is where active listening as a parent can be of the utmost importance. Let your teen talk openly and freely before you rush in with a solution or jump to any conclusions. Doing so will help foster a continued safe space, giving your teen the confidence to return to you when another situation arises. These habits are positive for your teen’s mental health while also giving you peace of mind.
