2 Sixth Street, Linden, Johannesburg
Again, South Africa is the nation with the worst screen time in the world! This is according to the new Electronics Hub Internet usage report. We are at the top of the charts with spending 56,8% of our awake time in front of screens – 9 hours 24 minutes.
We are also at the top with 31,72% when it comes to cell phone usage. Another top figure is linked with our use of social media with 22, 26%. This is mostly linked with apps like Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
One of the reasons may be the high unemployment rate with too many young people with too much free time, smart phones and access to the internet. Another reason can be linked to the fact that there are many underaged children, i.e. children younger than 13 years old, who are using social media platforms, even if the age restrictions for all are 13 years and even 16 years for WhatsApp.
How can we turn the tide and curb further screen addiction with its associated negative impact on all dimensions of happiness, humanity, health and well-being? There are many scientific published research papers that already confirmed that the overuse of screens and technology contributes significantly to the underdevelopment of young children and anxious screenagers. There is also a high risk of misdiagnosis because there is a host of symptoms that mimic neurological and learning disorders e.g., Virtual Autism, Electronic Screen Syndrome (ESS), ADHD, and Digital Dementia.
Dr Marlena Kruger, the founder and director of MindUnique Education and the TechnoLife Wise Foundation, recently received a distinguished award as one of South Africa’s Woman Leaders. She is passionate about educating parents, educators and all stakeholders about the neuro-educational and negative impact when screens are given to babies, toddlers and children under the age of 13. She empowers them through e.g. the Neuro Heroes course to reset and rebalance the children’s brains and bodies. It is crucial to replace screen time with healthy green time activities to ensure they develop in healthy-balanced and happy adults who enjoy real-life activities and engagement with real people to celebrate real life.
The TechnoLife Wise Foundation celebrates this year International Digital Wellness Day by hosting a FREE webinar on Friday 3 May at 11:30. Dr Kruger will focus on how to prevent the development of Screen Addiction, Virtual Autism, Electronic Screen Syndrome (ESS), and ADHD and how to reset your child’s brain and body to rebalance and enjoy real life.
For more information and to register (also to receive a recording if you can’t attend), visit the website of the TechnoLife Wise Foundation at www.technolifewise.org.
Dr. Kruger is available for interviews and can be contacted at hello@technolifewise.org.
