Curated by the Knowledge Team of ICS Career GPS
Need to revisit screen time?
Excerpts from article by Claire McCarthy, MD in Harvard Health Publishing
Just about every single one of us is spending too much time in front of a screen these days. Many, if not most, of us are spending most of our days on one — including, unfortunately, our children.
We are still stuck in our homes — and our kids are increasingly stuck to their screens.
Life on screen: Changes in behaviour and learning
This isn’t good for them. Besides the simple fact that screen time is sedentary time, too much time in front of a screen has effects on behaviour and learning that can change our children. Not only that, but it can interfere with how children learn and practise executive function skills, like delayed gratification, troubleshooting, collaborating, and otherwise navigating life’s challenges. It also gives them fewer chances to use their imagination and be creative. It can affect their mood, making them anxious or depressed.
There is the additional problem that it’s hard to know what children are doing on screens; many young children are exploring violent games or social media platforms meant for adults, and their parents don’t even realise it.
Steps parents can take
It’s time to make some changes — and build some new habits.
Take stock of the problem. Take an honest look at what your children — and you — are doing.
Draw some lines in the sand. The screens do not always have to be on, and some activities just aren’t okay. It’s time for some house rules if you don’t have them already. For example:
- Children should not be engaged in online activities or games that aren’t age-appropriate. This may include violent video games. Think long and hard about what you want your child to do. Talk to your pediatrician if you have questions.
- Screen time should not be getting in the way of sleep. Devices should be charged somewhere besides the bedroom (or on do not disturb mode for teens).
- Screen time shouldn’t be getting in the way of social interaction. Have screen-free zones, like family meals or other family time. (Yes, that means parents too.)
- Screen time shouldn’t get in the way of homework. This is complicated by homework involving screens, but many kids are getting distracted by social media and online gaming.
Think as a family about alternatives to screens. At the beginning of the pandemic, when we thought it would be quick, we all cut corners and were a bit lazy about coming up with alternatives. Now that we know it’s not quick, we need to reassess.
Talk about it as a family. Be clear that screen time has to get cut, that’s not the discussion — the discussion is about what you might do instead. For example:
- Board games and toys: Get them out, make a space to play. We forget how fun it can be.
- Make things! Build with blocks, make a city out of boxes. Boxes that held bottles of wine or liquor can make great apartment buildings if put on their side — you can cut doors and windows and decorate each compartment. Draw, paint, or build with clay. Knitting and crocheting can be fun, and are easy to learn with online tutorials.
- Read books with actual pages. Graphic novels and comic books count.
- Play instruments. Virtual lessons — and free online tutorials — are available.
- Cook and bake. Try out new recipes, make old favorites. It doesn’t have to be fancy.
Some of this does involve adult time, depending on the age of your child — and that’s not always easy these days. Try to come up with some activities that don’t require an adult to be actively involved. As for activities that do need adults, think of it as an investment in your child’s well-being — and a chance for you to unplug and relax too.
Career
Teen jobs could be more powerful — and tricky than ever
Excerpts from article by Paula Schuck, published in Additude
Teen jobs build self-esteem, executive functions and skills. Here are 10 tips to make your teen’s first work experience a positive one:
1. You can’t fake interest
Dr. Vinay Saranga, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, says a teen with hyperactive and impulsive symptoms of ADHD might not do well at a desk job demanding lengthy amounts of sitting and focusing. But, other than that, the main criterion is finding work that matches their interests, talents, skills, abilities, and personality.
Ideally, the job will work to the teen’s personal strengths as well.
2 Look for these workplace characteristics
- A work place with clear expectations and instructions
- Well-organised setting and manager
- Managers/supervisors who are involved and who supervise closely, but who are also encouraging and approachable — not overly critical or aloof
- Other experienced coworkers and/or supervisors who can serve as potential mentors or role models
- Availability of coworkers of similar age with whom to team up with, ask questions, and share support
3. Do not over-commit and under-deliver
Dvorsky says teens should begin by asking themselves these three questions: why they want a job; what they hope to get out of it; and whether it is something that they can realistically manage right now.
“It’s important to not over-schedule with too many commitments and competing priorities. Dvorsky said, “For teens who already have difficulty getting homework and studying done, having a part-time job may pull their attention in other directions making the school problem worse.”
4. Assume your executive functions will need a boost
In any position, the teens who succeed are often the ones who feel comfortable enough to self-advocate when they encounter challenges in the workplace. They are also the ones who proactively manage their executive functions by setting reminders, making notes, and keeping a calendar, Dr. Saranga says.
Purposeful organisation, time management, and planning strategies are absolutely essential for managing in the workplace — in high school and beyond.
5. Do not let past challenges poison your future successes
Adam Sauriol struggled with ADHD in high school, but his first full-time job as an electrician’s apprentice in British Columbia has exceeded expectations.
He gets up with his alarm at 5 am every day, loves the reliable daily routine, and enjoys what he is doing. “I think the job is what does it,” says his mother, Kerry. “He gets himself up and is there on time with all of his gear. He is so much more organised now than he ever was at school.”
6. Embrace a calendar system
Dr. Dvorsky suggests using a planner or electronic option like Google calendar that is accessible from all your devices.
- Record your work schedule, important dates, and key information as they come in. Do not wait and risk forgetting.
- Use color coding so your work schedule and tasks are distinct from school planning and other events
- Set up automated reminders to alert you when it is time to leave for work.
- At work, consider using timers to complete tasks or to signal when it is time to transition to a new task.
7. Request steady, predictable work hours
Routines are helpful for teen brains trying to get to work on time, solidify a new work schedule, and complete tasks on time.
- If possible, request similar shift times each week or a set schedule that you can plan around.
- From there, slot into your calendar other activities including your sleep schedule.
- Prepare work clothes and materials the evening before to help set you up for success the next day.
8. Never rely on your memory
- Write down the things that are important to remember such as tasks or processes that require multiple steps.
- Carry a pocket notebook or, if using your phone at work is acceptable, create electronic notes in a Work folder on your phone.
- Minimise clutter and distractions in your workspace by keeping only the materials you need in that area.
Finally, know your rights
As a parent, or a young worker, it pays to familiarise yourself with your rights.
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article mentioned above are those of the author(s). They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of ICS Career GPS or its staff.)
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