Things like cellphones and social media were designed to connect us, but it seems they are disconnecting us from the people we are physically with.
Three out of five parents admit to spending more time on their electronic devices than with their children, according to a survey conducted by OnePoll.
In the survey of 2,000 U.S. parents, the parents, on average, said they spent five hours a day on their electronic devices, while less than four hours doing activities with their kids, and if you think it doesn’t matter, think again.
Smartphones, social media, and screens can connect you to things on the other side of the planet, but do they disconnect you from the person right next to you?
“There are times that my kids are on devices or I’m on the phone and I am feeling like, hmmm, should I be teaching them something?” said Jennifer Bell.
These items have become so much of a distraction that it is even affecting kids’ development.
Researchers at the University of California Santa Barbara found that when parents are on their smartphones in front of their kids, it can negatively affect their child’s emotional intelligence.
Research from Temple University found that cellphone interruptions can affect a toddler’s language skills.
“The child doesn’t learn the word when they’re interrupted and does learn the word when you have a conversation,” said Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, a child psychologist at Temple University.
So, how can you disconnect to connect?
Ban phones and the TV from the dinner table, plan activities that don’t require screens, like hiking or biking, create phone-free zones around your home, and avoid picking up your phone during playtime with your kids.
Screen time can become addictive, no matter what your age.
Over 50% of adults believe they are addicted to their phones. That number goes up to 60% for teenagers.
People who are addicted are twice as likely to have sleep problems and 30% experience depression.