Digital Soothing
I think most of us have been or are guilty of turning to digital devices for comfort. Whether it’s scrolling through social media, binge-watching TV shows, or endlessly browsing the internet, we often rely on screens to escape from stress, boredom, or negative emotions. While these digital distractions can offer temporary relief, they also come with their own set of issues. Over-reliance on technology can lead to reduced quality of sleep, increased anxiety, and even a diminished ability to form genuine, in-person connections. As we are seeing and reading more and more, the research is identifying serious concerns for children exposed to excessive screen time. Concerns include negative impacts on cognitive development, social skills, emotional regulation and mental health for teens and young adults.
Screens and devices are part of our lives and for those of us who are not committed to embracing a 100% screen and device embargo (fully impressed with those families who have embraced this as a choice for their family); we do need to have serious conversations on how to navigate the use of devices to ensure that as adults we are not:
modelling poor self regulation strategies to our children
using digital devices to soothe children as a quick fix for managing emotions
Our children watch everything we do and will copy our actions. Have you ever told your teenager to get off their phone, but suddenly realise that you have been on your own phone as much as they have? Balancing screen time, moderation and mindfulness are key. We as adults need to be conscious of our own behaviours. We need to be very conscious of not automatically reaching for our phone whenever we need a break, and especially conscious of not handing a tablet or phone to a child during a tantrum to distract. This is digital soothing and the long term consequences is a child that cannot self regulate or self soothe. Can you imagine a world where the next generation is unable to regulate their emotions without a device in front of them? When your child is dis-regulated, this is the perfect opportunity to use the strategy of co-regulation. This strategy can help your child feel seen and heard, and to learn numerous strategies to eventually manage their own emotions independently. It is a process that requires some patience.
Reserve screen use for regulated times, such as educational activities or family movie nights, rather than dis-regulated moments when emotions are running high. By mindfully managing how and when you use digital devices, you create space for genuine self-reflection and promote a healthier relationship with technology—for both yourself and children.
Subscribers to Mumma Chelle’s weekly blog can access Mumma Chelles support information on co-regulation for free.
love,
2024-09-05 06:21:00
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