Setting Screen Time Boundaries for Teenagers
When it comes to teenagers (often referred to as Gen Z) one of the early defining factors is that they are what Barna Research defines as “screenagers.” In Gen Z: Volume 1 the authors at Barna wrote “One of the defining influences on Gen Z is that they have come of age in a world saturated by digital technology and mediated by mobile devices. Many admit to having experienced “nomophobia,” a feeling of anxiety any time they are separated from their mobile phone. They can’t remember a time before the Internet; they’re “digital natives,” a term popularized by Marc Prensky, a writer and speaker in the field of education.”
You probably have experienced with your teenager that they have on average higher screen time than the older generations, but much of that is just because it is the world they are growing up in. Common Sense Media stated in a pre-COVID study that teenagers used screens (for entertainment purposes) an average of 7.5 hours a day. For reference that is over 50 hours a week, equal to a full time job. It is clear that this level of screen use is not healthy, and Gen Z largely agrees.
Gen Z on Gen Z
I think parents would assume that their teenager is completely okay with the amount of time that their generation spends on screens. Barna presented in Gen Z: Volume 2 that often times, teenagers admit that their generation is spending too much time looking at screens. When asked about the amount of time teenagers spend looking at screen 60% of those who were surveyed reported “My generation spends too much time on screens.”
I have found this sentiment to be true when talking to teenagers as well. It seems that although they use their screens a lot, many teenagers are looking for an off ramp to the practice of staring at a small glowing screen. Unfortunately, I think the reason that teenagers continue to look at screens so much is because they are truly addicted to these technologies.
Pros and Cons of Social Media
One of the primary ways that Gen Z uses their screens is for social media. It shouldn’t be surprising that social media has a lot of effects on this generation, both positive and negative.
According to Gen Z: Volume 2 by Barna on the positive side 89% of Gen Z said social media helps them feel connected to the world, 90% said it helps them feel connected to others, and 87% said it helps them feel accepted. While their are certainly positive effects of social media, there are also negative effects as well. According to the same study 25% felt bullied on social media, 27% felt harassed, 50% felt isolated at times, and 65% said it made them feel critical about themselves.
Tips for Parents and Guardians
As Christian parents, it's important to consider the impact of screen time on our teenagers. While I don’t necessarily advocate for a full withdraw from social media and screens, I think it is important for us to be informed about what these technologies are doing to the next generation. As I’ve stated in past blogs, the mental health of Gen Z is a major concern and screens definitely play a roll in that.
While technology can be a useful tool, excessive screen time can lead to negative effects such as addiction, poor sleep, and decreased social interaction. So, should you limit your teenager's screen time? The answer is yes, but it's important to find a reasonable balance based on your family's values and lifestyle. While we could offer general guidance on how much screen time is reasonable for teenagers, I think it is important to take into account that every family is different and therefore the limit will differ from family to family.
Here are some tips for setting a reasonable limitations on your teenager's screen time:
Set clear and consistent rules: Establish rules about when and where devices can be used, and be consistent in enforcing them. As a parent, you have the responsibility to set boundaries and rules for your kids. Rules such as having no phones at dinner, charging phones in a public area, or no more than 1 hour on social media per day can be extremely helpful. If you’re looking for a resource to help create some rules, we offer a cell phone contract created by Parent Cue that can download and go over with your kid. You can access that by clicking here.
Encourage alternative activities: Encourage your teenager to engage in other activities such as reading, sports, or spending time with friends. These extracurricular activities will offer your kid a much needed break from their screen. I often hear students talking about their sports and hobbies as a break from the exhausting world of digital media.
Set a good example: As parents, it is important to lead by example and model good screen habits for children. One way to do this is to limit your own screen time and prioritize face-to-face interactions with your family. For instance, you can set aside specific times of the day where we put away your screens and engage in activities such as playing board games, cooking, or taking a walk together. By doing so, we can help our children develop healthy screen habits and foster stronger family connections.
Have open communication: Talk to your teenager about the importance of limiting screen time and the reasons behind it. Listen to their concerns and work together to find a solution that works for everyone. Make sure to remember that your kid may be dealing with a full on addiction to their screens. Show grace every chance possible and make sure to remind them that you are helping them set boundaries for their own good.
Remember, the goal is not to completely eliminate screen time, but to find a healthy balance that promotes your teenager's overall well-being. By setting clear rules, encouraging alternative activities, leading by example, and having open communication, you can help your teenager develop good screen habits and prioritize their mental and physical health.
