Tagged With "Screen time"
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Re: Bell Let's Talk - part of the problem?
I really don't think there is much substance to this article. Screen time, social media and all-the-time internet access is the reality of today. Not everyone abuses or is negatively affected by these mediums just as not every person who drinks is addicted to alcohol. I agree that there does seem to be some sort of shallowness to the campaign but it does get people talking. Moreover, I agree with the possible negative effects of these new communication mediums. However, it is not as if this...
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Re: Bell Let's Talk - part of the problem?
I completely agree Aaron! Bell is not to blame for mental health prevalence, stigma, and or self-esteem issues. It is merely a medium, as you put, a vessel by which content is delivered. People like to make the argument that perhaps Bell is enabling mental health issues but perhaps it is also enabling change - which is exactly the purpose of the BellLetsTalk campaign. For a campaign that brought in $7.2M in grants (800k being put towards Indigenous communities), not to mention the level of...
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Re: Data show no evidence that teens' social media use predicts depression over time
I recently had a discussion with my father about the effects of social media and online immersion. We attempted to discuss whether or not this truly was a turning point in human history; a medium which will alter the human condition forever. I felt hesitant to oblige to such a strong prediction. As Steven Pinker mentioned in his book "The Better Angels of Our Nature", the printing press and the resulting flurry of reading material, was interpreted at the time as a scourge within the younger...
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Re: Data show no evidence that teens' social media use predicts depression over time
Aaron, I think you're right in that nothing is ever purely positive or negative. Interestingly, a lot of the discussion around social media use come from a place of privilege. I often think about this tweet (and link) from the Pew Research Center: "80% of blacks say social media highlight important issues that might not get a lot of attention otherwise; the same share of whites say these sites distract from more important issues https:// pewrsr.ch/2zw872s "
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Re: Data show no evidence that teens' social media use predicts depression over time
Hi Simon, That is a very interesting point, one of which I had not thought of before. Thank you for bringing that to my attention
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Re: Gambling for Shoes?
Thanks for sharing the article about the lawsuit @Registered Member. It will be interesting to see whether the game has some element of skill, and whether the advertisements about it were truthful. I agree with both @Registered Member and @Registered Member that this is a form of unregulated gambling. I find it interesting how forms of gambling evolve over time and how they are now popping up outside of casinos.
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Re: Sit less, play more: WHO wades in on screen time use for children
Since we are just starting to understand the impacts of screen time on youth, it is likely difficult to come up with evidence-based universal recommendations for screen time. However, in addition to the time spent using screens, I think it is also important to consider what the screen is being used for (e.g., social media, educational games, video gaming, etc.) and like you mentioned, ensure youth balance screen time with physical activity.
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Re: Sleep problems in teenagers reversed in just one week by limiting screen use
Might be worth investigating what else the teens are doing in their newly found 4 hours of time not sitting in front of a screen. If they are exercising, that might be the reason they are sleeping better, rather than blue light avoidance.
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Re: "An age-by-age guide to kids and smartphones"
Interesting article Matt, thanks for sharing! All parents should read this, as smartphones are such a huge part of our culture that we all need to be prepared for what limits we set for our children. The author outlined an important point close to the end, saying that parents also need to follow similar rules for themselves regarding limiting screen time. This is such an important point, because kids see their parents modeling the behavior, so its only natural that kids want to mimic it. If...
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Re: "An age-by-age guide to kids and smartphones"
I agree Elaine that it is so important to share our stories, so we can learn from each other. When you read a guideline or suggestion around screen time, sometimes it doesn't sink in, especially when you are dealing with toddler tantrums or pre-teen drama. But when you hear someone's story, of how dangerous and life-changing technology use and screen time can be, it really hits home.
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Re: "Loot Boxes" - gambling or not?
I’d like to share some thoughts on the differences between loot boxes and gambling: You always GAIN something from loot boxes. Whereas in gambling, there is also the possibly that you may LOSE as well. You can’t gain financially from loot boxes as you do in gambling. Putting money into a loot box never gives you money in return like gambling does. Even though these two things don’t match the criteria for gambling that you listed in this tread, they are two significant differences. In this...
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Re: "Loot Boxes" - gambling or not?
Interesting. The Skinner method used in video gaming creates the pull for longer play. Winning at random intervals has been proven to keep a player engaged long after they are even interested in the game, compared to winning each and every time time. In terms of Loot Boxes, offering a biological need like food, water, or sex always has a satiation point where one becomes full and loses interest. However, offering non-biological needs like gold coins and ammunition that will take a player to...
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Re: ADHD study links teens' symptoms with digital media use
Thank you for sharing! I am happy to see this research being done. My son, in full blown crisis with video gaming addiction was diagnosed with ADHD. He was 19 years old at the time. He had been tested when he was younger and no signs of ADHD were found. Within six months of full detox of gaming, two and a half years later, the ADHD symptoms were gone, as well as his facial tics. We definitely need to see more studies and results moving forward.
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Re: Increases in technology use among Ontario students
I read these results this morning too and found them shocking. Especially the one in three students spending 5 hours or more a day on electronic devices, and that's only in their spare time (not including school!). I worry about the long term implications of this for our children's social and emotional well-being as adults.
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Re: Increases in technology use among Ontario students
Thanks for everyone's comments! Rebecca, I also found these results quite alarming. I found it interesting that only 23% of students met the recommended daily physical activity guideline, while 64% of students spend 3+ hours of recreational screen time per day. I wonder about links between screen use and lack of physical activity (as well as other impacts of course). I too worry about the long-term effects of excessive screen use.
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Re: Gambling, Gaming, and Technology Use Knowledge Exchange
Thank you for posting this article, Elaine! I think it is relevant food for thought for both parents and professionals. I especially like that she talks about the importance of ruling out and addressing electronics in mental health assessments. In the article, Dr. Dunkerley also says, “ Time and again, I’ve realized that regardless of whether there exists any “true” underlying diagnoses, successfully treating a child with mood dysregulation today requires methodically eliminating all...
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Re: Gambling, Gaming, and Technology Use Knowledge Exchange
I agree, Lisa. I took my son for a full medical assessment at the same time I detoxed him from video gaming. I also monitored his moods very closely, with the concern of his anxiety and depression increasing, and fear of suicidal thoughts. I have also heard from one of my holistic clients her concerns after the psychologist who sees her son, for severe depression, suggesting his client should "do what he loves", however the only thing he loves is gaming, and mom feels it's making the...
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Re: Screen time and ADHD
Thank you for sharing this link, Lisa. I read Leonard Sax's work as a young mom and he helped me to understand what raising healthy boys would look like. My son, Jake was diagnosed with ADHD at age 19 while in mid crisis with a gaming addiction. At the time, I really questioned the diagnosis, as I had him tested when he was much younger and this was not found. As I read Gabor Mate's work in his book, Scattered Minds, I did see that Jake was exhibiting symptoms of ADHD. He was put on a...
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Re: Screen time and ADHD
Thanks Lisa highlighting this topic and Elaine for sharing your personal experience and journey. Such an interesting topic, and the article had this to say: "But maybe the most interesting finding is that not all screen activities had equal effects. For example: Playing video games with family had no significant association with the development of ADHD symptoms, while playing video games alone (even if playing with other people online) had a strong association with subsequent ADHD symptoms".
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Re: Can anyone suggest an gambling clinical practice guide, that incorporates "cultural competency" on the idea of "lucky?"
Hello Bill, Please find the attached document, "A Guide for Counsellors Working with Problem Gambling Clients from Ethno-cultural Communities." On page 16 there is content related to your question. Best, Lisa
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Re: How to Improve Screening for Problem Gambling - Recruiting for Concept Mapping Study
hi, do you have a website that your call could be linked to? This is because eenetconnect is a closed/shielded site which is not friendly to www interactivity beyond it's wall. thanks as useful project. Bill
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Re: How to Improve Screening for Problem Gambling - Recruiting for Concept Mapping Study
Hi Bill, Thanks for the info, sorry as a new user, I was unaware of that. Information about the call and the study can be found at https://www.guilcherlab.com/re...t-opportunities.html and https://learn.problemgambling.ca/eip/poverty . Thanks again, Lauren
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Re: Addicted to Fortnite? Montreal law firm says video game company should pay up
Fascinating case, Colleen. I'd say the responsibility is partly with parents, but at the same time, software companies like the one that created Fortnight have one goal in mind -- profit -- so there needs to be regulation of this industry to ensure young players are protected from these predatory practices.
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Re: Addicted to Fortnite? Montreal law firm says video game company should pay up
I agree that transparency around risks from developers would be beneficial for consumers. Something like pop-up messages (similar to those in casinos) after playing for extended periods of time might be helpful and easy to implement. I think open conversations and advocacy with developers may lead to changes without regulation in any given jurisdiction (especially with video games being a global market). An example of where developers have started taking a step to help inform consumers in a...
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Re: Research on Parent-Child "Technoference"
Such interesting findings! I wonder if the length of time that parents spend with their children make a difference to the level of technoference experienced, and in turn the behavioral outcomes - as stay at home moms of little ones under 5 spend a lot more time with their kids, and likely experience this to a greater degree than parents who work. I also wonder if there are any mediating factors that might reduce the behavioral problems seen in young children as a result of technoference?
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Re: Gambling, Gaming, and Technology Use Knowledge Exchange
Thank you so much for sharing the article, Elaine. It was very thought provoking. I had some initial responses to his article (in italics). My Responses to “Why Is There a ‘Gaming Disorder’ But NO ‘Smartphone Disorder’ article in The Atlantic by Ian Bogost on June 28, 2018. The ICD has not "decided" that if you play video games a lot, you might suffer from a mental health issue: Gaming disorder.” They have determined based on research and consultations with experts that those that are...
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Re: Research on Parent-Child "Technoference"
This is such an interesting thread. It's also brought to my mind the amount that technology is used in the classroom now. Even my son in JK had specific iPad time and tasks that he had to complete/lerning activities to complete. I would wonder if that will eventually factor in to the research as well.
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Re: Blog on WHO's decision to include gaming disorder in the ICD-11
I completely agree Lisa. My eldest son plays video games a lot and still has a full life outside of gaming. My youngest's son's gaming habits were do severe he stopped thriving. As a result, one son can still enjoy a lifestyle that includes gaming, while the other now chooses to abstain. There is an enormous difference, and we have to be really clear in stating just what those differences are. Although our family has to deal with a son with Gaming Disorder, we have not jumped on the...
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Re: CBC News Article: Tech companies encourage us to be smart about phones
Thanks for sharing, Matt! Just to add to this discussion - an article published yesterday in TechCrunch announces that Facebook and Instragram's new "digital well-being screen-time management dashboards" have been launched in the US. This dashboard shows how many minutes people use each of these apps per day and their average use in a week. It also allows users to mute notifications and set daily usage limits, after which a notification will come up to say they have surpassed the limit. What...
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Re: Is Screen Time Hurting Your Heart?
Thanks for sharing Howie! I remember when the articles starting coming out a few years ago claiming "sitting is the new smoking" I was very, very scared. Those of us who work behind a computer know how much time we spend sitting in front of a screen. I can imagine that for young people, it will be even more true when they reach the working world, as they are accustomed to being on their phones/computers in their personal time. Let's hope the future brings some sort of technological advances...
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Re: Is Screen Time Hurting Your Heart?
Thanks for sharing. As a mom with an adult son who is now 14 months detoxed from gaming, I can't say enough about how much exercise played a huge part in getting into recovery and continuing it with success for my son. It not only helps with keeping his heart healthy but also gives him the dopamine high he was addicted to with gaming. He is still working hard at keeping the balance as his work in in a maintenance software company doesn't provide the needed movement and cardio. He uses a...
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Re: Is Screen Time Hurting Your Heart?
Great article, Howie, thanks for sharing! I agree with Elaine; exercise is so important to get our blood flowing and reduce our risk of developing one of the communicable diseases (e.g. high blood pressure, type II diabetes, etc.). The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) has released physical activity guidelines for adults and children. I think what's important to remember is to incorporate exercise into your daily routine so that you're more likely to stick with it. For example,...
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Re: Is Screen Time Hurting Your Heart?
Thank you for posting the links for those guidelines, Tanya.
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Re: Is Screen Time Hurting Your Heart?
Thanks for sharing, Howie! I think it's so important to highlight how sedentary behaviour, including screen use, has multiple risks associated with it across different dimensions of wellness. In other discussion threads we've discussed some of the psychosocial risks associated with screen use, and it's also important to highlight some of the physical health risks (as the article you posted suggests). The Canadian Pediatric Society has released a guide for physicians focusing on sedentary...
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Re: DOTA 2 coming to Vancouver
The form and structure is like the Worl series of Poker, and even professional sports, with qualifying competitions and then the big competition. I read this from the article: "The Olympic-style games will last over seven months and involve more than 65,000 players from over 190 countries" It makes me think about how many people play sports with the hope of becoming competitive, and how many people play esports in the hope of becoming competative and who has a better chance? By comparison,...
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Re: Cell Phones in Classrooms
Thanks for the suggestion of the video Elaine! She had some interesting facts and stats. I found her graphs about prevalence of anxiety and the 50% saturation of smartphone use eye opening. Colleeen's point, of parents wanting to be able to get a hold of their children anytime necessary and of chidlren as young as grade 2 or 3 getting phones is also interesting. I wonder if GenX'ers are passing their anxiety down to their children and that is getting transmitted via the need to be in...
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Re: Canucks players put in video game ban on the road
Interesting that the team managment must have been seeing a negative impact on the players from their tech use. I am so curious as to what was happening that brought them to this place. Wouldn't that be a great study? The impact of video gaming on professional athletes? I wonder though, if this will merely force their playing to be covert? Also, they have restrictions on their movements ie curfews so I wonder if they are being offered alternatives on how to use their down time while in hotel...
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Re: Canucks players put in video game ban on the road
It must be really boring to endure these gruelling trips, they probably have a lot of games in California and they fly there, everybody thinks the NHL is glamorous but maybe it is nice to have some down time. They could be using the games to treat anziety from all the pressure of the NHL, or they like the dopamine rush from the bells and whistles. I guess there has to be balance, and not have it interfere with their practices if they stay up late playing video games. I wonder how they will...
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Re: Parents should worry less about screen time, says UK doctors
Interestingly, the majority of their sample was related to watching TV, not playing games / cellphones / computers. I think this is a serious limitation of this research, as there are many significant differences in terms of interactivity, reward expectation, and level of stimulation between watching TV and playing online games, for example. As a psychiatrist, I will point out this limitation to my clients and continue to follow Canadian guidelines.
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Re: And the debate continues: Study links excessive screen time to developmental delays in children
I wonder too if it is about the quality of the screen time, not just the quantity. For example, my 2 year old has learnt the alphabet and counting from 1 to 10 through looking at an educational show on Netflix. I think the author Alicia Lieberman who wrote "The Emotional Life of the Toddler" also comments on the fact that this is a complex issue. If you watch something together and talk about it, it can be a bonding experience, but I agree that too much does not seem like a good idea.
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Re: And the debate continues: Study links excessive screen time to developmental delays in children
The article notes that "these tests included measures of their communication skills (for instance, forming full sentences), gross motor skills (running and walking), fine motor skills (tying shoelaces or copying letters), as well as problem-solving, and personal and social skills (serving themselves food)." While screen time may enhance communication, I can see where screen time could delay gross and fine motor skills (watching a screen does not teach a child how to run, jump or squat, cut...
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Re: Are Video Game Developers Really Helping Combat Addiction?
Hi Elaine, I wonder what sort of parameters would make the video games less addictive? Specifically in Nintendo's case? From my experience, Nintendo, as a platform, is probably the least nefarious game producer in the world when it comes to manipulating addiction. They do not exploit loot boxes to the same degree as other developers, their online capacities are minimal, they encourage same-screen multiplayer in many of their games and they are more family oriented. I think parental controls...
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Re: Patterns of compulsive smartphone use suggest how to kick the habit
This makes sense -- next time you're at a bus stop (or riding public transit), take a look around -- I guarantee that more than 50% are looking at their phones. This doesn't mean that Millennials or "kids these days" are bad or lazy or self-absorbed. Rather, it means that smartphone manufacturers and app developers have tapped into two previously-unknown parts of the human condition: a) the overwhelming urge to avoid the discomfort of "waiting", and b) the desire to be left alone in public.
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Re: Patterns of compulsive smartphone use suggest how to kick the habit
One year ago today, while ill and in quarantine for weeks, after returning from a vacation quite ill, I found myself becoming far too dependent on my phone because I felt so isolated. And I realized that this wasn't the beginning of my phone dependency. Through the years my son was struggling through the toughest part of his video gaming addiction recovery, I continually checked my phone for messages from him. He needed a lot of support. And I was never far from my phone. It was during that...
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Re: Patterns of compulsive smartphone use suggest how to kick the habit
Thanks for sharing that Elaine! I need to watch how much time I'm on my cell phone. When my 'smart phone' tells me how many hours I've been on a week I get a wake up call!
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Re: Too much screen time for the kids? Grandparents may also be complicit
These statistics are interesting. The struggle is real on some level for every generation it seems. I recently addressed a group of 85 concerned grandfathers about screen time with their grandchildren and was inspired to write a blog to help them manage better. https://eyespyhealth.ca/grandp...-with-grandchildren/
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Re: CTV interview Should addiction to video games be considered a disease?
This is an article that features the concerns some scholars have about gaming being included in the ICD-11: "Scholars' open debate paper on the World Health Organization ICD-11 Gaming Disorder proposal"
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Re: CBC News Article: Tech companies encourage us to be smart about phones
Thanks for sharing this article, Tiffany. I think tracking and monitoring usage is a good first step to increasing self awareness around the possibility of over-usage and can allow people to start questioning whether their level of use is causing problems at all. There are also other apps (e.g., Rescue Time, Cold Turkey, Self Control, etc.) that help capture this info and/or allow users to block certain websites to help minimize use.
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Re: Blog on WHO's decision to include gaming disorder in the ICD-11
I like how you addressed a number of commonly held concerns, as well as your summary of key messages. One of the points that resonated with me most was when you stated "Adolescence is a time when people are most at risk...If problems go undetected and untreated during this time when youth are laying the foundation for their future, the negative effects can be far-reaching." This reminded me of the importance of early intervention. Hopefully the recognition of video gaming as a disorder will...
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Re: Blog on WHO's decision to include gaming disorder in the ICD-11
Thanks Sarah, that is a great question! In my experience working with people who have an addictive disorder, I have yet to meet a client who did not have any underlying issues (regardless of the problematic substance/behaviour). This includes sub-clinical issues and/or diagnosable conditions. Even in cases where there were no severe underlying conditions, the addiction and it's subsequent consequences required attention and repair. Frequently, once someone develops a habitual behaviour, they...