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Electronic Media Breaks
One of our student’s parents recently told me that she had implemented an “electronic media break” with her fifth grader. I felt immediate excitement despite the fact that she hadn’t even explained the conditions of this break to me.
As suspected, this mother had decided to restrict her daughter’s use of cell phones, personal music devices, home video game consoles, television, and non-academic computer use for an extended period of time in hopes that it would increase her child’s concentration.
Sure enough, after the first week of the media break, the child’s primary teacher had already witnessed her improved class participation and better focus when carrying out assignments. Mom too, noticed that her daughter seemed more energized overall, was engaged during conversations, and followed directions without resistance or attitude.
Apparently, despite the fact that electronic media devices are highly useful and often entertaining (especially for children), they can also sap much needed energy from people which might be better spent in meaningful or lighthearted conversation, activity and play. Most kids would not welcome a media break now, but may thank you later (perhaps when raising children of their own).
For more information on the benefits of media breaks, check out the following websites:
Center for Screen Time Awareness on National TV Turn Off Week
New York Times Article on Media Breaks for Parents
WebMD on Video Game Addiction
Posted by: editor on April 5, 2010