As a Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist at ORS, Regina and I have witnessed firsthand how excess screen time can harm the development of younger kids and teenagers. Particularly regarding brain function, mental health, and social skills.
Research indicates that prolonged screen time can lead to difficulties in concentration and cognition. This exposure often disrupts sleep patterns and affects mood, compounding issues like anxiety and depression. The teenage brain, still developing, is particularly vulnerable to these effects. As parents, it can be unsettling to watch our children become absorbed in their devices, neglecting the physical activities and social interactions that are crucial to their overall development.
A golden opportunity to reset family routines
As we approach the holiday season, many families often struggle with the challenge of balancing screen time. Whether be it phones, laptops, tablets, or gaming consoles—with the need for physical activity and meaningful family interactions.
The holiday season provides a golden opportunity to reset family routines and promote physical health through fun and engaging activities. By prioritising physical exercise and healthy play, we can retrain essential life skills while enhancing health and wellbeing. Not only does physical activity strengthen bodies, but it also cultivates mental resilience and improves cognitive function—benefits magnified through active family participation.
Strategies for parents to help reduce screen time during the holidays
- Set Clear Boundaries: Establish guidelines for screen usage. For instance, you might set limits on the number of hours per day or designate specific times for screens, like after dinner.
- Create an Activity Schedule: Plan a range of activities the whole family can engage in together. This may include outdoor games, family walks, or visits to local parks. Involve the teenagers in this process to ensure their interests are catered for.
- Encourage Hobbies and Interests: As a family, explore new hobbies together that do not involve screens. This could include cooking, crafts, learning a musical instrument, or reading books. These activities boost creativity and encourage social interaction.
4. Promote Physical Challenges: Set up friendly competitions, such as sports tournaments or fitness challenges, to motivate everyone. This fosters teamwork and reinforces the idea that fitness can be fun.
5. Be a Role Model: Demonstrate healthy practices yourself. Show enthusiasm for participating in activities that do not involve screens, encouraging your teenagers to join in.
A path to healthier play and family connections
It is important to recognise the pressures modern families face. These include work commitments, household chores, and online entertainment.
However, not all screen time is harmful. It’s about finding a balance. Designated screen time, particularly for educational purposes or family connectivity, can be beneficial when appropriately moderated.
As we navigate the holiday season, we can embrace the chance to reconnect—with each other and with our bodies. Encourage physical play that strengthens family bonds and fosters a sense of community. Imparting these values not only improves physical health but enriches the mental and emotional wellbeing of our children.
While reducing screen time may seem challenging, with a bit of planning and commitment, it can lead to better family experiences and healthier lifestyles.
Needing some extra assistance?
If you are looking for structured physical activity programs or assistance with functional skill building, consider reaching out to ORS Physiotherapy, Exercise Physiology, and Occupational Therapy by calling on 1800 000 677 or refer now!
Together, we can create an environment that nurtures our children’s and teenagers’ potential while making the most of this holiday season.
About this blog
This blog was co-authored by Chris Barnett, and Regina Wright. Chris is the general manager of Physiotherapy at ORS with over 28 years of experience as a physiotherapist and exercise physiology that loves working with complex problems and leveraging teams to improve day to day lives of clinicians and clients.
Regina, a regional manager of Occupational Therapy at ORS with over 20 years of experience in clinical practice, leadership and project management. Regina is passionate about her work and specialises in mid to high-cost assistive equipment. Regina is instilled with a strong belief in the power of Occupational Therapy to facilitate recovery and improve clinical practices.
Regina Wright
