Too Much Screen Time
by Larry Whiteley
In today’s world, we spend too much time watching or using screens of smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, TVs, and computers – and yes, with forward-facing sonar, even fish finders. Most children aged 8-12 in the United States spend 4-6 hours a day looking at screens. Teenagers spend up to 9 hours. Adults are spending over 8 hours a day. The time spent looking at screens has become an addiction that is not good for kids or adults.
Because of all the screen time, the mental health and physical health of both kids and adults are suffering. Kids are growing up with more anxiety and less self-esteem because of harmful content. Cyberbullying, sextortion, and stalking are leading to suicides among kids and adults. The spread of misinformation has destroyed lives. Technology has created cyber criminals who steal our identities and our money. 4 out of 10 adults have their identity stolen and become victims of fraud attacks.
Technology is making it more difficult for adults and kids to get away from their screens and outdoors into nature. Research has proven that outdoor time is essential for the mental health and overall well-being of kids and adults.
All that screen time affects mental health because of less social interaction, poor sleep quality, and increased feelings of anxiety and depression. That also goes for you adults.
Spending time outdoors allows kids to connect with nature and explore. That fosters their imagination and creativity. It promotes physical activity, helping kids develop their motor skills and maintain a healthy weight. It also boosts their cardiovascular health and strengthens their immune system. It also hinders the development of motor skills. Children tap and scroll rather than being active outdoors.
Get them and yourself out hunting, hiking, camping, and crappie fishing. That will help create a healthy balance between screen time and the great outdoors.
Limited use of smartphones is acceptable on your outdoor adventures. Use them for taking pictures of the crappie you catch, nature pictures, and even taping the sounds of nature. There are also a lot of screens on boats in today’s world. Those screens are perhaps acceptable because they can make it an even better fishing trip.
People would be amazed how their lives or the lives of others will change for the better if they reduce the time they spent in front of a screen. Then, they need to increase the time spent outdoors reeling in crappie or doing other outdoor adventures. Fall is a great time to do that.
Do you want to know more? Search on your smartphone or computer. But, please do not take too much time. Get outdoors and go crappie fishing. Get away from too much screen time.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
“Whether you are a parent or not, carving out time to turn off your devices, to disconnect from the wired world and engage with the real people who are all around you, is one of the best gifts you can give yourself and the people you love.” ~ Alan Brown, Author
