By Kerry Gallagher
When it comes to screen time, there are special concerns associated with services like Netflix and multiservice platforms like YouTube because they involve passive retrieval of videos. Users are often focused on consumption over creation or connection and are more likely to attempt to switch tasks or multitask. In a study that included over 1100 parents with at least one child each in the age range of 10-17 years old, researchers asked participants to evaluate their use of VS media specifically using these criteria. Note: The researchers said several criteria must occur in a noticeable pattern over a period of months to a year. Some seasonal shifts are normal (summer v. school year, winter v. warmer months, etc).
- Uses VS more frequently or longer than they intend.
- Cannot stop using VS even when they believe it is sensible to do so.
- Does not pursue meeting with friends, clubs, sports, or creative activities because of VS use.
- Neglects duties or chores because of VS use.
- Uses VS even though it causes stress.
- Neglects academic work and class participation because of VS.
- Chooses use of VS over hygiene and appearance.
- Lost connections with friends or acquaintances due to time spent on VS.
- Formal consequences at school such as detention or warning or dismissal have occurred due to VS use.
Share these criteria with your kids and encourage them to self-evaluate regularly. You can model your own self-evaluation with them and process out loud what you are learning about your own habits and how you might make adjustments based on what you learn.