By Viviam Liao
Staff Writer
When I received my first phone in seventh grade, I asked my mother to implement screen time limitations on both my cell phone and laptop, bringing my daily average screen time to a combined total of five hours and 30 minutes a day, including time spent completing schoolwork. While this is a love-hate relationship, I can clearly see the benefits that limitations have in my life. Compared to some of my friends who spend five hours on social media alone, I feel much more energized and productive throughout my days.
As of 2023, the average screen time for teenagers in the U.S. is around eight hours and 39 minutes. According to DataProt, users spent seven of those hours aimlessly scrolling through social media. Screen time limitations are extremely beneficial, preventing any harm caused by long term exposure to device screens such as lethargicness and mental health issues.
Research shows that overuse of screen time leads to increasing levels of depression. A National Institutes of Health study shows that those who spend four hours online developed mild symptoms of depression and those who spent over four hours online developed severe symptoms of depression. In-person social interaction helps the brain produce hormones to combat depression, while online interactions do not. By programming your devices to reduce the amount of screen time you consume, you significantly decrease the chances of developing depression.
While some may argue that using screen time limitations restrict their freedom, it can also teach self control. When I first started having screen time limitations, it was difficult to release my phone, but as time went on it became easier to just place my phone elsewhere and focus on other activities whenever I reached my time limit. These limitations slowly wean off the addiction to the screen so people are not so dependent on electronic devices. Furthermore, it allows you to spend more time with your family and friends, something many people lack due to the invention of cell phones and computers. For example, when classes were all online, I spent more time on my computer doing assignments and watching videos than speaking to my family. Now, we try to have dinner together and bonding time without the interruption of cell phones at least three times a week.
Limiting screen time can also help your brain function more effectively. A Harvard Medical School study found screen time provides limited brain stimulation, causing the neurons to make less connections. Without these connections, the brain works slower and has a harder time to gather and process information. Screen time limitations can help with better attention span during school hours and better performance on school assignments and assessments.
Although the present time makes it difficult to use as little screen time as possible, we can still limit our usage. By switching off your cell phones, closing your computer once all your assignments are finished or adding some digital limitations, you can experience a life without all the extra noise the digital world brings.