Communication apps

Kids in every region spent the most time connected in May at the height of the pandemic lockdowns in the spring, with the peak extending to June in the UK. Unique to the communication app category, kids’ use of these apps rose again in October, most sharply in the US.

Which communication apps did parents block most?

In regards to mobile detoxes, they are largely symbolic, which is fine as they increase needed awareness around excess screen time. But to make disconnecting a habit, it needs to become part of a regular routine. To achieve this, downtimes, or down days like ‘Screenless Sundays’ work better. The most important downtimes are during mealtimes and 1 hour before bed. Disconnecting at meal times encourages real conversations between family members and cuts back on distrac- tions. Disconnecting an hour before bedtime, protects kids from stimulating blue light on screens. We also recommend keeping digital devices out of the bedroom entirely to avoid
kids having the temptation, and the ‘FOMO’, to check if there is a response to their latest message or post.

Marc Masip, psychologist and expert in addiction, is passionate about keeping mobile devices out of schools and tells parents, “As you kids go back to school, please don’t send them with a smartphone. If you need a way to stay in touch with them via a call or SMS on a ‘dumb phone’. Kids are already on their devices all day long. School, even in-person school, is now increasingly online too. Removing the temptation to connect to the internet during school sounds harsh to some parents, but it is really a gift. Kids (and teachers) need a break. And, studies on schools that prohibit mobile phones in school consistently show: higher rates of concen- tration, lower rates of cyberbullying, and more chances for real social interaction and physical activity. To give your child these benefits, delay giving them a smartphone as long as possible.”