Young girl shares how her mom encourages her to be bored
As parents, we shouldn't fear boredom – we should embrace it. It allows kids to explore, be creative, and uncover talents and passions they never knew they had.
A recent study conducted at Stellenbosch University surveyed adults, teachers, parents, and adolescents about smartphone usage, particularly at home and in the classroom.
The findings revealed that, on average, participants spend 197 minutes (three hours and 17 minutes) per day on their phones. Girls tend to use their phones more, averaging 219 minutes (three hours and 39 minutes), while boys spend around 176 minutes (two hours and 56 minutes) daily.
Among teens, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are the most popular social media platforms. Girls engage with social media more frequently than boys, with over 12% reporting that they check these platforms constantly.
Alarmingly, despite the rise in teenagers' smartphone use, many parents are not enforcing strict rules to regulate or limit their screen time.
Nearly 60% of adolescents reported that their parents never limit their time on their phones, while only 7% said their screen time is always restricted. Interestingly, boys are more likely to have their screen time regulated than girls.
Recently, a group of teen girls reenvisioned their school time without using their smartphones. Although it was challenging at first, it soon became a productive experience as they discovered a passion for crochet.
A young girl's video about overcoming boredom has also shed light on the importance of normalising boredom for the next generation. Too often, parents are so occupied with the everyday tasks of life that they use screen time as an easy way to keep their children occupied.
But is this a solution, or a gamble?
Avoiding boredom teaches children to constantly fill their time with distractions rather than embracing moments of pause and tuning into their own thoughts.
When this young girl's mother refused to give in to her screen time requests, she was left with no choice but to sit with her boredom. Only then did she discover the hidden magic that comes from it.
Watch the video on Instagram.
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Image courtesy of iStock