Time for parents to turn their screens off

Sir, - I read with concern and accord, the feature on the 2020s children (“‘They’re missing out on so much’: How screens and Covid are shaping childhoods in Ireland,” Weekend Magazine, January 31st) and was struck that my own private observations about the negative impacts of screen time were echoed by many parents and educators.

However, I felt that our approach to these conversations can be narrow and defeatist. I think to really bring benefit to our younger generations, we must first admit that adults too are negatively impacted by excessive screen time. Tackling our own use and habits is the first step to improving the trajectory for younger generations. We too are suffering and we also deserve improvements.

Secondly, I feel the perspective we hear often, that increasing technology use in the future is inevitable, is a self-fulfilling prophecy. By accepting this trajectory, we are making it happen. Most of us are aware that this is not to our own benefit, but rather benefits a select few tech moguls who are set to gain from our addiction to these devices which steal our time, attentiveness and creativity. Positive changes are possible and we must begin by taking the leap of courage and pressing the off button ourselves. - Yours, etc,

MAEVE McCANN,