Introduction

Excessive use of electronic devices can increase levels of anxiety, compromise productivity, and impair sleep quality. Disconnect from Technology for health is, therefore, a call to reflection: have you ever stopped to wonder how screen time is shaping the lives of adults, children, and adolescents around us? Moreover, while screens connect, entertain, and educate us, are we really aware of the impact they have on the psychological well-being of younger individuals? The answer may be more surprising – and concerning – than you imagine.

Impacts of Screens

Currently, we are in a world where the glow of screens seems unavoidable, and it is easy to forget that disconnected moments are essential for a healthy and happy mind. Unfortunately, excessive use of digital devices has been associated with lower levels of psychological well-being among those around us, such as children and adolescents, for instance. Consequently, this can manifest in increased anxiety, a greater sense of loneliness, and even a decline in self-esteem. With that, what should be a tool to facilitate life often ends up creating emotional barriers.

What Is Happening?

But why does this happen?

The secret may lie in the silent trade-off that occurs when screen time replaces fundamental activities necessary for healthy development, such as being outdoors or having fun, engaging in meaningful conversations, or simply enjoying the present moment, for example. In this context, due to the excessive increase in screen usage, some studies indicate that children who spend less time in front of screens tend to have more energy, better moods, and a greater sense of life satisfaction.

Effects on Sleep

And it doesn’t stop there: excessive time online can harm the quality of sleep, which is crucial for mental and physical health. Once people get glued to their devices late at night, the blue light from screens interferes with the body’s natural cycle, making it difficult to get quality rest. Consequently, what is the result? More fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating the next day.

Disconnect from Technology for Health: Strategies

Therefore, encouraging children, young people, and adults to spend more time offline can do wonders for their emotional and social development.

Simple activities such as:

• Practicing sports
• Exploring nature
• Reading a book

These activities help build essential skills such as:

• Empathy
• Resilience
• Creativity

Moreover, moments away from screens foster family connections, something that is becoming increasingly rare in the digital age. Disconnect from Technology for Health and start with small changes!

If you think reducing screen time is a lost battle, here’s some good news: small changes can lead to significant transformations. Start with clear and consistent limits. Therefore, establish times for:

• Meals
• Family moments without devices

Offer engaging alternatives, such as:

• Games
• Hobbies
• Outdoor activities

Remember, the goal is not to eliminate screens but to use them consciously and in a balanced way.

Conclusion

What’s most inspiring is that by reducing time spent in front of screens, the tendency is to discover a world full of possibilities. Moreover, we can learn to appreciate the little things, cultivate real relationships, and live in the present moment. These experiences are the foundation for healthy emotional growth and prepare young people to face challenges with more confidence and balance.

So, why not take the first step today? In summary, challenge yourself to create an environment where screens complement – and do not replace – the significant moments in life. Disconnect from Technology for health and be the example that younger individuals need, showing that true happiness is not in the number of likes and/or views but in genuine connections and the joy of living fully.

Take a deep breath, disconnect, and rediscover the transformative power of well-spent time away from screens. Your future and those around you will thank you for it.

• Scientific Reference: Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K. (2018). Associations between screen time and lower psychological well-being among children and adolescents: Evidence from a population-based study. Preventive Medicine Reports, 12, 271-283. Access Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2018.10.003 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2018.10.003