With schools closed for the holidays and the COVID-19 pandemic restricting our travels, our children and youth are spending more time than before on their electronic devices hopping between different gaming and streaming sites.
While screen time is not an evil in and of itself – we cannot deny that our devices provide us with access to online educational resources and enable greater connectivity with friends in this pandemic, excessive screen time could lead to gaming addictions, a loss of face-to-face social skills, and an over-reliance on devices for entertainment.
In a 2018 study by Singtel and DQ Institute, children in Singapore were found to spend an average of 35 hours a week on their screens for entertainment alone (not including time for homework assignments) – 3 hours more than the global average.
With the move to online learning and more people being kept at home during this pandemic, it would not be surprising if the number of hours spent online has since gone up. Internet addiction is a growing concern among children and youths in Singapore, and many parents have raised concerns over managing their child’s screen time.
When Do Prolonged Periods Of Gaming Turn Into An Addiction?
While gaming occasionally for leisure does not indicate a disorder, it is a cause of concern when the amount of time spent online negatively impacts one’s functioning in daily life e.g., declining performance in school, withdrawal from social activities.
The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) classifies Internet Gaming Disorder as a condition requiring more clinical research, and suggests some warning signs that parents should look out for:
- Being preoccupied with Internet games, where it becomes the dominant activity in daily life
- Displaying withdrawal symptoms when Internet gaming is taken away e.g., sadness, irritability
- Developing tolerance, where there is a need to spend more and more time on Internet games
- Being unable to control engaging in Internet gaming despite attempts to do so
- Losing interests in previously enjoyed activities and hobbies
- Continued Internet gaming in excess despite being aware of the problems
- Deceiving others regarding the amount of time spent gaming on the Internet
- Using Internet gaming as a means of escape or relieving negative moods e.g. guilt, helplessness
- Jeopardising or losing a significant relationship, or educational or career opportunities due to Internet gaming
How To Manage My Child’s Screen Time?
Even as our children grow in independence, we as parents still have influence over them. Here are some tips to manage your child’s screen time:
1. Identify reasons why your children are drawn to their devices
Start by having a conversation with your children on what they like about online gaming and social media. Some children may view gaming as a respite from the stressors of daily life, others may view it as the only exciting activity in an otherwise boring life.
There are also children who feel awkward communicating with their friends in real-life and thus take comfort behind the screen.
Understanding the reasons behind your child’s behaviour would help you better understand your child’s needs and come up with more targeted interventions to manage your child’s screen time.
2. Set time limits
Have a discussion with your child to determine what is a reasonable amount of time for them to be on their device. This discussion may take different forms depending on the age of the child – a more directive approach may work with younger children, while a more collaborative discussion may be needed for older children.
After agreeing on the time limits, stick to it and affirm them when limits are adhered to.
3. Engage in other activities
As we restrict the amount of screen time for our children, we would need to introduce alternative enjoyable activities for them to engage in. Understanding what they enjoy about the online world would especially come in handy here.
Ask them what they are interested in and involve them in planning activities to do together as a family. From high-energy activities like hiking and cycling to relaxing activities like reading and baking, there are a range of activities out there!
Biannually during the school holidays, The Therapy Room organizes an inclusive camp for both neurotypical children and children with special needs.
Camp Global®️ is a day camp for young children and it aims to cultivate mindfulness, stress management and resilience, social skills, and goal-setting using multi-sensorial psychotherapeutic techniques in a light-hearted and enjoyable setting.
4. Model good behaviour
As we manage our children’s screen time and encourage them to engage in other activities, we need to be mindful of our own screen time as well.
How many of us are guilty of checking our phones at the dinner table or scrolling through social media when our children are sharing about their day? Set limits for yourself such as no usage of devices during meal times or in the bedroom.
Let us rediscover life beyond the screens for ourselves as well. As our children see that we are interested in spending time with them, they would also be more interested in getting off their devices.
Technology is a big part of our lives and cutting down on our screen time is not an easy task. As we encourage our children to reduce their screen time and participate in meaningful activities, affirm the small efforts that they make.
Allow them time to discover their interests beyond online gaming and social media, and be attentive to their needs. Should you feel that your child’s online behaviours are getting out of hand, reach out to your school counsellor or speak to a psychologist.
For more information on therapy sessions and/or assessments, please contact our team of psychologists and counsellors at The Therapy Room at 6467 8903 or email contact@thetherapyroom.com.sg. You may also follow us on our social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
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