Rogers, a leading telecommunications company, is set to roll out a nationwide initiative aimed at curbing excessive screen time among youth. A recent study revealed that children aged 11 to 17 are spending over five hours daily on their smartphones, well beyond the recommended two-hour limit by the Canadian Paediatric Society.
Despite this alarming trend, only one in three young individuals acknowledge their screen usage as problematic, which poses risks to their mental, physical well-being, and overall growth. Surprisingly, a survey showed that nine out of 10 parents believe their children are glued to screens for too long, underestimating their actual screen time by more than 90 minutes.
The new program, dubbed Screen Break, will address this issue through various initiatives focusing on parental guidance, youth engagement, research, and partnerships, as well as education and advocacy. Rogers plans to allocate $50 million over five years towards these efforts, emphasizing the importance of balanced connectivity.
Tony Staffieri, President and CEO of Rogers, emphasized the significance of maintaining a healthy balance between screen time and other activities. The parental tools provided will enable parents to monitor and regulate their children’s screen time effectively, ensuring a more balanced lifestyle.
The program will also involve athletes engaging with youth to promote positive screen habits, along with organizing interactive events like the “Unplug and Play” series. Furthermore, grants will be awarded to prominent youth organizations, such as the YMCA, to encourage active living among youngsters.
To further understand and address this issue, Rogers will conduct an annual study on youth screen time trends and collaborate with Dais, a public policy think tank, to instill healthy digital habits in young individuals. Notable athletes like George Springer, Connor McDavid, and others will participate in advocacy efforts by sharing insights on screen time through educational videos.
A recent poll conducted among 1,213 parents and 513 children aged 11 to 17 revealed concerning trends in screen time usage, highlighting the urgency of such initiatives in today’s digital age.
