Screen-time vigilance needed to protect children
About two-thirds of senior school students who attended a youth development conference reported spending more than five hours a day on screens, the House of Assembly heard yesterday.
Almost four-fifths of that time was spent on social media, the pupils said, and most added that parents or guardians did not monitor their screen activity.
The figures were revealed as Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, highlighted the risks posed for young people by unchecked internet use.
They were compiled from surveys carried out at the Big Up Yaself National Mini-Youth Conference, run in January by the Office of Youth Affairs.
Senior school students attended the first day of the event while the second day welcomed primary and middle school pupils, with more than 200 children in total asked about their internet habits.
Ms Furbert told MPs that while the respondents did not represent a scientific statistical sample of the island, their answers provided insight.
She said: “At the senior school level 65 per cent of students spent more than five hours a day on a screen with 78 per cent of that time on social media.
“Of these same students, 70 per cent reported that their parents or guardians did not monitor their screen time.
“At the middle school level there was more of a balance with 37 per cent of students spending zero to two hours on a screen with 32 per cent spending more than five hours.
“However, 42 per cent of students stated their parents or guardians did not monitor their screen time.
“At the primary level 61 per cent of students said they spent more than five hours a day on a screen and 78 per cent of students said their parents did not monitor their screen time.”
The minister added: “This information is real data from our young people.
“The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry recommend no more than two hours per day of screen time use for children aged 6 to 15.
“Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, in a recent study said young people’s addiction to social media and video games is tied to a higher risk of developing mental health issues, including suicidal behaviours.
“Young people’s sleep, ability to pay attention, as well as their physical and social emotional wellbeing can also be impacted by spending too much time on a screen.
“This says nothing of the actual content that our young people are viewing or who may be trying to access them.
“I urge parents and guardians to be vigilant. I cannot stress this enough, monitor not only your children’s screen time, but also the content they are viewing.
“We must protect our children.”
Attendees of the conference were encouraged to be mindful of online behaviour, the sites they visited and the impact on their mental health.
The event’s theme of “Protect Your Peace” focused on the first of the eight National Youth Policy Goals — keeping young people safe and protected from harm.
Ms Furbert called the internet a “valuable tool” for study, entertainment and connection that could also be prone to predators, bullies, distractions and misinformation.
A group of parents have announced the launch of the Smartphone Free Childhood Bermuda to encourage families to delay giving their children smartphones until 14 and social media until 16.
The coalition said the pledge grew from “a small WhatsApp conversation among concerned parents” into a community-wide movement.
They will hold two information sessions next week.
More than 200 families have signed the pledge since it started in February, which the group said reflected a “shared desire” to support each other in setting boundaries for their children.
“Many of us felt we were navigating this alone,” said Una Walsh-Taylor, a founding parent. “By coming together, we’re creating a supportive community and making it easier for families to navigate the world of smartphones without their children feeling left out.”
Mike Walsh, another founding member, added: “Our goal isn’t to eliminate technology. It’s to be intentional about when and how our children engage with it.
“Childhood is short. We want to protect space for play, independence, in-person friendships and healthy development before introducing the pressures that come with smartphones and social media.”
The group pointed out that countries such as Australia and Chile set restrictions on children’s social-media use and access to smartphones in schools.
They added: “As a small and connected island community, Bermuda is uniquely positioned to take this growing body of research and apply it thoughtfully at a local level.”
The information sessions will be held at the Bermuda High School on March 16 at 5.30pm and March 19 at 12.30pm.
Anyone interested in attending can RSVP by e-mailing info@sfcbermuda.com.
Ben Smith, the Opposition leader, who described the data as “quite sobering”, asked if there was any policy to drive home its importance to the public.
Diallo Rabain, the Minister for the Cabinet Office, drew attention to the Cybertips Programme, which he said he hoped to bring back soon.
He added: “I am looking to bring a statement next week, which will specifically target children and parents and caregivers.”
Mr Smith asked if there would be assistance for parents using devices as a “babysitting service”, which Ms Furbert said Cybertips and the youth affairs office’s parenting workshops would seek to address.
• To see the minister’s statement, see Related Media
You must be Registered or to post comment or to vote.
