Dear Erin, 

In a digital age, what are some mindful approaches to managing screen time and maintaining genuine connections with peers in a technology-driven world?

Dear Concerned Student, 

You are not alone in your concerns. It seems like everybody spends too much time on their phones. One of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce screen time is to avoid having social media. This reduces the casual time wasted on social media. I feel like having social media is one of my biggest time consumers. 

Another easy way to reduce screen time is to keep your phone in a different room from where you sleep and to not use your phone for the first two hours of the day. This helps you have a good night’s sleep. Not using your phone for the first two hours of the day allows you to focus on the important things. I used to have a habit of checking my phone first thing in the morning, which was a massive distraction and a waste of time. Since I stopped keeping my phone where I sleep, I have become more productive in the morning. 

It’s also a good habit to check weekly screen time reports. If you have an Apple device you can view how much time spent on various apps as well as your total screen time. If you have an Android device you can view your screen time under the parental controls and digital wellbeing tab. By viewing your screen time you can see where you need to put in more work to increase productivity.  

Finally, a digital detox can be very beneficial. A short two-hour detox will let you focus on more important things than screens, such as friends, family, and school.  About once a month  I will set a timer for two hours, and I will not use any screen during that time. This gives me quality time to study, hang out with friends, or spend quality time with my family. 

Sincerely, 

Erin