Wellbeing - Parents

Wellbeing Contribution - Parents

Creating Safe and Healthy Relationships Between Your Teen and Their Screen:

As you will be aware, we currently live in a world in which we are surrounded by technology. Laptops, smartphones, and gaming consoles are so prevalent in our society that we can find it hard to stay in touch with friends or even order at a restaurant without a device now. Technology surrounds us and has become an essential part of our daily routine. While technology offers an abundance of advantages for school, such as staying connected with friends and easy access to learning resources; it is also important to recognise the negative impact it can have and develop strategies to help our teens take regular breaks and create a healthy life balance. This can be tricky to navigate, we all know teens are not fond of relinquishing access to their devices (usually putting up a fight). However, this can be achieved and result in creating healthier habits that will benefit them throughout their time here and their life outside/beyond school.

We have all heard the phrase, “lead by example”. Despite its overuse, which has resulted in it becoming a cliché, this phrase is the perfect place to start when navigating a healthy screen-life balance. Children (including teens) learn by example, this is a well-known fact within society and has been supported by social science throughout the years. The best example of this is Albert Bandura’s Bobo Doll Experiment from 1961. Bandura conducted an experiment to study whether social behaviours can be learned through observation. In essence, learning by example. Bandura found that when he placed children in a room with a bobo doll and an adult modelled aggressive behaviour (e.g. beating or throwing the doll), the child would then treat the doll in a similar way. However, when children were placed in a room with a bobo doll and these behaviours were not shown, the children interacted and played with the bobo doll in a non-aggressive, quiet, or subdued manner. Now, this experiment does relate to aggression, however, the concepts and principles of this experiment are evident in a range of behaviours, including screen usage. When your teen sees you taking time away from your devices, whether it’s during meals, before bed, or while winding down at the end of the day, they are more likely to follow your example. Modelling technology-free behaviour shows them that it’s possible to create a healthy routine, and it highlights the benefits of disconnecting from screens. Your actions speak louder than your rules!

Remind your teen that taking a break from the digital world doesn’t mean missing out, it just means making room for other activities and experiences that benefit your mind, health, and social relationships. The easiest way to reduce screen time is to find activities that do not involve technology. Finding a new hobby such as playing a sport, going to the gym, learning an instrument, dance, or creating something though art can be just as fulfilling and enjoyable for young people. In particular, physical activity helps you clear your mind and relieve stress through the release of endorphins which boost your mood and make you feel physically healthier. Offline hobbies allow your teen a chance to unwind and recharge in ways that social media or gaming can not.

Doom scrolling is the killer of sleep and healthy sleep habits. Doom scrolling is when you get completely lost and consumed by scrolling through your phone without realising how much time has passed. Setting tech-free times before and during bed (at least 30 minutes) helps to reduce the temptation for your teen to get on their device and possibly descend into doom scrolling. This will reduce your teens sleep debt, add more structure to their day, and their mind will feel clearer which will ensure they are well rested and ready to participate in activities at school and outside of school. If they must have their phone in their room, encourage them to set it to sleep/night more which reduces the effects of blue light on their brain if their phone wakes them in the night. Challenging them to be more present during time with the family or with friends will also create better relationships and opportunities for connection and growth with others.

Conversation over strict limits. Instead of enforcing strict limits around screen use, have an open conversation with your teen around the boundaries for their technology use. Discuss what feels reasonable for them whilst also reminding them to consider schoolwork, downtime, and socialising. Collaboration is the key here. If your teen feels they have a say and are actively involved in the decision-making process, they feel empowered to take control over their actions. This can result in ownership over their screen habits, increasing the likelihood they will follow through and reduces any potential reluctance to spend less time in front of a screen. Start slow - try gradually reducing the amount of time you spend online each day. Compromise may be required from both of you due to differing opinions around what is important. The goal is to create a plan that builds a habit both you and your teen feel is achievable and beneficial. If your teens take the initiative to limit technology use at a time that has not been specified, make sure to acknowledge their efforts and celebrate them for taking charge of their health and wellbeing in relation to screen time. Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool in motivating and strengthening a habit that lasts.

Supporting your teen with open communication and active involvement in their strategies helps them develop the essential lifelong skills of time management and critical thinking regarding their relationship with technology and their wellbeing. If you are concerned about the safety of your teen online, take a look at this link (https://www.telstra.com.au/cyber-security-and-safety/online-safety-wellbeing) for some tips on how to build a safer online experience for your teen from home.

Parent Support Services

We understand that supporting a young person with mental health concerns can be hard. If you are thinking of engaging some extra support for yourself, or are interested in some information to help with concerns as they arise, please take a look at the document attached which you can use to talk things through. You don’t have to do it on your own!

The Wellbeing Team,

Lauren, Steph, Livia, Jess and Ange