As the digital age continues to evolve, South Africa finds itself at the forefront of a concerning trend: its citizens are among the world’s highest users of screen time, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Their obsession with digital devices, particularly smartphones, has drawn sharp critiques from health professionals, who warn that this trend is exacerbating a mental health crisis among children and adolescents.
The South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) has raised alarms about the escalating impact of excessive screen time, leading to severe implications for young people’s mental well-being.
The term ‘brain-rot,’ which signifies the harmful effects of consuming excessive low-quality online content especially on social media has recently garnered recognition as the Oxford Dictionary’s Word of the Year. This encapsulates a growing societal concern about how digital media consumption influences cognitive health.
The ramifications for children are particularly alarming. According to research findings, adolescents who spend more than five hours a day on digital devices are 70% more likely to entertain suicidal thoughts when compared to those who limit their screen time to under an hour daily.
Furthermore, studies have shown that even moderate screen time usage of four to six hours correlates with increased symptoms of anxiety and depression compared to those who spend two hours less on devices.
In a comprehensive study spanning 14 countries, distractions from mobile phones proved to detract from students’ learning capabilities. The mere presence of a phone nearby, often coupled with constant notifications, was enough to break focus, with it taking as long as 20 minutes for children to regain attention once distracted.
The scenario is equally troubling for adults. The average South African adult spends an astonishing 9 hours and 37 minutes per day on their smartphones, dedicating nearly a third of their waking hours to the digital landscape. With social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok monopolising over 22% of that time, the implications for familial dynamics are significant.
‘If we as adults are addicted, how can they not be?’ reflects Professor Renata Schoeman, a psychiatrist and member of SASOP.
‘We cannot expect children to moderate their screen time when they see adults constantly glued to their phones. Children learn by observing. If we don’t model healthy digital behaviour, we are silently endorsing screen addiction,’
Schoeman emphasised the link between excessive screen time and various mental health challenges that plague children, including:
- Increased risk of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem
- Disrupted sleep patterns, particularly from screen exposure before bedtime
- Declining academic performance, marked by reduced concentration and an uninspired approach to learning
- Social withdrawal, as digital interactions replace in-person relationships
- Increased exposure to harmful online content, including cyberbullying and unsuitable material promoting disordered eating
‘The physical consequences are also concerning, children spending long hours on devices are more prone to obesity, headaches, eye strain, and poor posture,’ Schoeman warns.
Despite the inherent benefits of technology, especially in educational contexts, Schoeman strongly advocates for intentional and moderate use of screens. ‘Unrestricted or ‘always on’ access to screens does far more harm than good, ‘We need to teach our children how to use technology wisely while not shielding them entirely from it,’ she stressed.
‘It’s not about banning screens; it’s about finding balance, there’s a considerable difference between a family movie night and hours of unmonitored scrolling or gaming. The key is to be mindful, involved, and consistent,’ Schoeman adds
To navigate these digital challenges, Professor Schoeman provides essential guidelines for parents:
- Limit screen time by age: no screens under 2 years; a maximum of 1 hour for ages 2-5; ideally no more than 2 hours a day for older children
- Encourage offline activities, especially outdoor play, to bolster physical and mental well-being
- Model responsible digital habits, such as taking breaks, having device-free meals, and avoiding screens before bedtime
- Establish device-free zones and times, like during family meals and pre-sleep rituals
- Take custody of children’s and teen’s devices overnight to promote better sleep hygiene
‘Children don’t need perfection from their parents; they need consistency, Small, daily changes, like putting your phone away at dinner, send a powerful message. And right now, our children need that message more than ever,’ Schoeman concludes.
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