Since the inception of TV, screen time has been cited by parents and educators as being an issue among children and youth. The proliferation of tablets and smartphones seems to have rekindled such worries, particularly in view of the fact that unlike TVs, these powerful devices are portable.
The situation is further exasperated by the myriad activities available through such devices such as socialising, particularly through social networking sites and messaging services, as well as entertainment through media streaming and games. Despite this, one cannot dismiss the importance of being connected, especially for youths, as our future entrepreneurs and breadwinners compete in a global workforce. Excluding youths from having access to such technologies will undoubtedly limit their opportunities in future, irrespective of where the future may take them professionally. The educational opportunities are endless. On the internet one can find, among others, many reliable resources that support students, particularly in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects.
A healthy balance between technology use and offline activity is to be encouraged. Such a balance is not only necessary for physical but also emotional well-being. The internet, which consumes most screen time, is a very volatile place. For instance, in cases of cyberbullying one’s online reputation may be severely (wrongfully) tarnished.
Given the significant importance that online presence plays in a youth’s life, this could be very detrimental to their self-esteem and emotional status. Having a healthy offline life, achieved through initiatives such as belonging to a group of common interest (sports-related, religious group, etc.) is one mechanism to help build resilience and be in a position to deal with such online risk.
Through experience we have learnt to identify true problematic use not solely from the time spent using a device, but also from the emotional point of view.
One must question what a youth is foregoing during that time. Has the youth stopped going to football or dance practice? Have they stopped going out with friends? Have they stopped doing any other activity they used to love and look forward to?
In severe cases – their basic hygiene and/or nutritional requirements (situations we have also intervened in locally).
When is the time using the device being spent? If it is a weekend and parents do not offer an alternative (e.g. a bike ride), one will precipitate towards the device. And at what time of day?
Adults must lead by example. One look around a restaurant, at the beach or even the park, where parents have an opportunity to bond with their children, is evidence that this problem is not just a youth problem but has become a generic issue.
Fiona Tesi is project coordinator, Malta Communications Authority.
The Malta Communications Authority (MCA) has been leading the BeSmartOnline! project since 2010. Together with the Foundation for Welfare Services, the Office of the Commissioner for Children and the Directorate for Learning and Assessment Programmes, it has been working on increasing awareness and also intervening in situations related to online risks, with overuse being one of the many. This is done through talks in schools and in informal settings with youths, through talks for parents and also seminars organised for educators.