Student Wellbeing

Binge-watching during lockdown.

It wasn’t that long ago, that lots of screen time was a source of concern. Now in lockdown, screens have become a lifeline. Not only are they the way we do school (or work) now, they are also our link to one another.

Instead of condemning the screen outright, I’d like to offer up some tips on how to make sure binge-watching during lockdown is a healthy and calming escape, and not fuel for tension and anxiety.

We need to draw a distinction between “good” screen time and “bad” screen time.

Good screen time connects us, stimulates us, comforts us.

Bad screen time makes us miserable, makes us anxious and makes us go to bed too late.

Here’s how to make your binge watching more fun and more nourishing.

• Don’t worry about it too much. Research on people who binge watched while home sick, found not only did they find solace in it, but that it stopped quite naturally when their circumstances changed. This will likely be true, when the restrictions of lockdown eventually lift.
• Plan it. You’re more likely to enjoy binge-watching more, when you’ve planned it. Remember, the saying “Guilt is the enemy of joy”. If you are mindlessly binge watching when you need to be doing something else, you probably won’t enjoy it.
• Don’t binge watch the news. It is good to be informed in a pandemic, but binge watching news can make us feel anxious and miserable (and not that much more informed). In terms of COVID news, I like to know the daily Victorian infection count, the direction of the curve and that’s pretty much it! Much more than this, I begin to feel anxious and helpless.
• Make it social. Save what you think is good TV, to watch with others in your home. Or go beyond that. Arrange to watch a show on the same night as a friend & then talk about it. There are also apps, like Netflix Party, that allow you to stream and chat simultaneously. Make a night of it!
• Don’t use it to put off bedtime. Nothing wrecks a day, than the decision the night before to go to bed too late. We’ve all been there! I know it’s tempting to binge-watch another episode, but stick to your bed time. Set a bed-time alarm on your phone if you need to.
• Develop your tastes. Figure out what relaxes, excites or amuses you. Figure out what you can comfortably watch one episode of and be satisfied, and what is likely to be a binge-fest. Maybe don’t watch an anxiety provoking thriller or documentary just before bed. Is there a show that can be your calming nightly ritual before bed? One that you can watch together with your family?

If binge watching has gotten a bit out of balance, please know you are not alone. In Europe, Netflix and You Tube are now streaming video in lower-quality format, so as not to overwhelm the network.

We can feel isolated and anxious, when we can’t do the usual stress relieving, fun things we usually do, but we are, once again, all in this together.

I’d really like to encourage our boys, to reach out if you are needing a little encouragement, coaching, or a pair of listening ears. These are unprecedented times and everyone is struggling in some way. 

Please don’t hesitate to call me through Teams, email - gvlamakis@edumail.vic.gov.au

 or school phone – 0422 649 597.

George Vlamakis

Counsellor