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Tune Out or Turn Off

Learning to Unplug from Social Networking, Work, Cell Phones, and Entertainment to Focus on What  Is Truly Important


We are more connected than ever. Between iPads, iPhones, iPods, Blackberries, laptops, mobile internet, and Movies on Demand, we have just about everything we could ever want in terms of information and entertainment at our fingertips. We have made huge strides in technology over the last few years and it seems that the sky is the limit! But, is being connected all the time, to multiple mediums (ever seen someone texting during a movie?) really in our best interest? Maybe not. And family counseling may be a step in the right direction.

There is one topic in psychological science that is rarely debated—the effect of media on our behaviors. Vast amounts of research have been done on the topics of aggression, attention, social modeling, and attitudes that are seen in TV, movies, and video games. What we’re finding is that being plugged into any form of media for too long affects our attention span (if it’s not instantly entertaining we “change the channel” mentally or physically), our waistlines (being sedentary contributes to obesity in children and adults), and our attitudes and behaviors (garbage in, garbage out really is true).

In our day and age, we have to be intentional about having true downtime. So many adolescents today walk around with their earphones in and state that it helps them focus and concentrate. They’ve become so used to the various forms of noise that silence to them is truly deafening. We have to start setting the example and teaching them the benefits of being unplugged. Here are some ideas:
  1. Limit the times when your child will be plugged in. Try keeping the TV, radio, iPod, and computers during the morning routine. Also, keep those things turned off during the family meal. (If you don’t have a family meal at least three times a week, consider making it a part of your regular schedules). Also consider setting limits on how much “media” time they will have in a day.
  2. In order to woo your kids away from the various forms of entertainment, you’ll have to find something else to keep their attention. Consider exercising together, talking, board games, taking a walk, going for a smoothie, picking up a hobby, or playing a sport together. A simple deck of cards or a basketball can get you started. It’s amazing what they’ll tell you about when they’re busy “doing” something else!
  3. Set the example yourself. Instead of walking in from work and plunking down on the couch to watch ESPN or HGTV, engage your kids in conversations or let them catch you reading a book.
  4. Consider a “Week Off” to jump start your journey. Issue a challenge to your kids to be unplugged from one particular device for a week. Stress to them how privileged they are to have those devices and to see what other things they have time/attention for when they are without that device for a short time. Encourage them to get up and get moving and then do it along with them.
It goes without saying that you also need to be aware of what your kids are listening to, watching, and playing. Help them find things to fill their brains that are positive, encouraging, and have value. When you ask your kids to unplug, you will get push back. Be prepared, yet be reminded it’s a good thing for them to not be bombarded every waking minute of the day with stimuli. Helping them learn how to be okay in the quiet will be a valuable life lesson that will pay big dividends over the long haul.
 




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