The 54% of Quebecers who say they feel panic when their phone’s battery drops below 20% might be ripe for taking part in the 24-hour screen-free challenge organized today by the PAUSE collective, in order to get away for a moment of virtual disturbances.
• Read also: Use of screens in daycare: Quebec gives up tightening the screw on schools
According to PAUSE, no less than 64% of adults have already texted someone who was in the same room as them. Additionally, according to a 2021 survey, 70% of parents feel they have problematic internet and screen use and 76% want to decrease the time they spend online.
According to Caroline Fitzpatrick, associate professor in the Department of preschool and elementary education at the Université de Sherbrooke and member of the PAUSE expert committee, the proposed challenge can enlighten screen users about their habits in as little time only 24 hours.
“Sometimes it takes this contract with ourselves, where we will put the screens aside for 24 hours, take a step back and take a critical look at our media habits,” she explains.
She adds that participants in the previous edition even confided that they had not realized how much they used the screens automatically.
Certain risks
The communication campaign promotes a balanced use of the internet in order to prevent the risks associated with hyperconnectivity, but while continuing to benefit from the advantages offered by technology. “The screens are very present. They can certainly bring benefits, but the scientific literature also suggests that there may be certain risks to this hyperconnectivity,” underlines Ms. Fitzpatrick.
Among the risks, the expert points out that children who spend more time in front of screens arrive at school less well prepared; in particular, they have poorer academic performance, a less developed vocabulary, less participation in class and in sports, and poorer sleep.
►Interested families should register at this address: https://pausetonecran.com/inscription/
Reference-www.journaldequebec.com