Reducing Screen Time: A Personal Story and Expert Insights

Smartphones, computer screens, gaming devices, and more have become an essential part of our daily lives. They are in our homes, bedrooms, offices, cars, pockets, and bags—making it difficult to give them up, even for short periods of time.

Although these electronics can be useful and entertaining, the amount of time we spend on them can become a real problem if we don’t take it seriously. Here’s the story of Mrs. Nibal (48 years old) and what experts recommend:

A Personal Experience in Reducing Screen Time

Mrs. Nibal began by saying:

“I often insist that my children and husband put their phones aside during dinner, in the evenings, and on weekends. I usually feel drained after spending long hours in front of screens at work. Honestly, I didn’t know how to encourage my family to spend some time away from technology. Whenever one of us uses a device, we completely disconnect from other important aspects of life.”

She continued:

“I started researching trustworthy sources about ways to cut back on screen time, at least in the evenings. After learning about the risks—such as losing valuable family time, neglecting physical activity or hobbies, and missing out on meaningful social connections that could improve mental health and reduce stress, depression, and anxiety—I shared these ideas with my family. Together, we decided to try limiting our screen use in the evenings.

It turned out to be a wonderful idea. My kids found joy in sharing their daily stories and small problems. We enjoyed dinner together, telling jokes, and even started going for evening walks in the neighborhood, which became a delightful experience for the whole family.”

4 Benefits of Reducing Screen Time

According to experts at Mayo Clinic, reducing screen time offers several health advantages:

1. Improving Physical Health

Prevents obesity and related conditions such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Creates more time for exercise and physical activity.
Improves sleep quality, especially in children who struggle to fall asleep after long hours of screen use.
Reduces unconscious snacking, since eating while distracted by screens often leads to overeating.

2. Creating Time for Exploration and Play

Exploring the world is a vital part of life. Instead of sitting in front of devices, families can enjoy activities like biking, walking, visiting parks or museums, shopping, coloring, reading, or doing crafts.

3. Strengthening Social Bonds

Putting devices aside allows for deeper emotional connections. When parents are attentive, children feel valued. Studies have shown that kids who take breaks from devices develop stronger social and communication skills, including the ability to recognize facial expressions and nonverbal cues.

4. Boosting Mood and Mental Well-Being

Engaging in enjoyable activities without screens can improve mood and provide a sense of accomplishment. Social interaction helps reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. In contrast, excessive screen time in children is linked to behavioral issues, poor focus, and exposure to violent content, which can increase stress and negative beliefs.