Writes Malcolm Pacey, Joint Leader of Wellbeing
Students were challenged to reduce their screen time in order to see where their time was going. They had to prove their reduction by using screen time apps on their phones and other devices. In the UK, some young people spend upwards of four hours a day on their phones and those who took part reported that they felt more able to indulge in other passions and to spend time working on their concentration span.
Writes Deshan H. (3rds)
When I first thought about entering the challenge, I didn’t think about how difficult it was. I was so used to reaching for my laptop or the remote that it was almost like a reflex. Winning the JOMO screen time challenge was great for me – but, unlike other competitions, it actually came with little academic hard work. The screen time challenge was to limit your screen time as much as possible. I got mine down to twenty seconds in one week, and as I didn’t have a phone at the time, not using my MacBook seemed almost impossible – yet it became easier to accomplish as the days went on.
I split my time into three productive tasks: drawing, homework and guitar. Normally, on the day homework was set, I would do it, then go on my laptop, then eat dinner – but what I did instead was start off by drawing. I found action figures around my house and, as I have a natural passion for drawing, I spent time sketching them from different angles. Not only did this improve my drawing skills, but it also kept me occupied for long periods without even thinking about using a screen. I was surprised by how quickly time passed when I was focused on something creative.
After drawing, I would complete any homework that had been set. Without my laptop, it was much easier to just get it done with no distractions. Once my homework was finished, I spent time practising guitar. Going over scales and improving my technique in different songs gave me a sense of achievement and made the challenge much more enjoyable than I had expected. I also ended up getting more comics- I’d forgotten how fun they were to read!
By the end of the week, I realised that reducing my screen time had seemed confronting at the start but actually became more enjoyable. Instead of spending hours online, I had dedicated more time to hobbies and productive activities. Winning the challenge was rewarding, but the biggest benefit was discovering how much I could accomplish without relying on a screen.
