Why wait till Grade 8?
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Dr Marlena Kruger, digital wellness coach and founder of the Technolife Wise Foundation.
The Technolife Wise Foundation recently launched the “Active Digital Wellness” initiative in collaboration with the Roosevelt High School in Johannesburg.
The goal of the programme is to encourage parents to say yes to wait till Grade 8 or the age of 14 before giving children access to the internet and social media via a smartphone.
Says Dr Marlena Kruger, digital wellness coach and founder of the Technolife Wise Foundation, “Roosevelt High School has had a no cell phone policy during school hours since 2016 and the outcomes have been an eye-opener: They have seen a decrease in, amongst others, cyber bullying, and an increase in academic performance and children’s social development. It tells me that the research is true: Our children’s development, growth, and happiness are directly related to the time they spend in front of screens.
“Yet, many parents are still not aware of the neuroscientific and negative impact on their children’s health and well-being when they spend too much time in front of screens, especially when it is on a smartphone linked to the internet and social media,” says Dr Kruger.
“When you take this pledge, your promise not to expose your children to screens and social media before the age of 14. You will join like-minded parents and support one another to attain healthy habits, as well as be supported to stick to your guns,” Dr Kruger concludes.
Parents, role models, professionals, and caregivers are invited to take the pledge at www.technolifewise.org
The Technolife Wise Foundation recently launched the “Active Digital Wellness” initiative in collaboration with the Roosevelt High School in Johannesburg.
The goal of the programme is to encourage parents to say yes to wait till Grade 8 or the age of 14 before giving children access to the internet and social media via a smartphone.
Says Dr Marlena Kruger, digital wellness coach and founder of the Technolife Wise Foundation, “Roosevelt High School has had a no cell phone policy during school hours since 2016 and the outcomes have been an eye-opener: They have seen a decrease in, amongst others, cyber bullying, and an increase in academic performance and children’s social development. It tells me that the research is true: Our children’s development, growth, and happiness are directly related to the time they spend in front of screens.
“Yet, many parents are still not aware of the neuroscientific and negative impact on their children’s health and well-being when they spend too much time in front of screens, especially when it is on a smartphone linked to the internet and social media,” says Dr Kruger.
“When you take this pledge, your promise not to expose your children to screens and social media before the age of 14. You will join like-minded parents and support one another to attain healthy habits, as well as be supported to stick to your guns,” Dr Kruger concludes.
Parents, role models, professionals, and caregivers are invited to take the pledge at www.technolifewise.org
