In 2019, American kids aged 8 to 12 spent an average of 4 hours and 44 minutes on screens every day. By 2021, that average had increased to 5 hours and 33 minutes per day. Do kids need help putting their devices down, or can they decide on their own?
There are a lot of research studies show that too much screen time can have a negative effect（效果）on people. Therefore, some countries try to make people stay away from devices. People living in a village in India have agreed to turn off their televisions and phones for one and a half hours every evening. A community uses the siren (汽笛) sounds to remind people to turn off the televisions and phones at 19:00. At 20:30, a second siren sound rings to show that screen-free time is over. In this way, people can have screen-free time, which is called a "digital detox". It is when a person stops using digital devices for a fixed time.
Some people say that taking a break from electronic devices is good. Screen-free time allows kids to connect to the outside world and with family and friends. Seeing people face to face helps to cure (治愈) loneliness. Kids can be more active if they are not on their phones or watching TV all the time, which is beneficial (有益的) to health.
However, there are people who hold different ideas. Digital devices allow friends and family far away from each other to stay in touch. Besides, screen time can be valuable—kids can read great books, discover interesting facts or learn about important things happening in the world.
Is there a way to find a balance between digital devices and our life? I think so. The good way is to cut down kid's usage of digital devices by setting time limits. What's more, if parents offer kids activities they find valuable, such as sports and art activities they enjoy, they will be less likely to spend time on social media. Once they become used to these activities, they will feel surprised how little they think about their phone.
