Kylie Flament, CEO of the Social Enterprise Council of NSW & ACT, recently embarked on a personal challenge to reduce her screen time after realizing the extent of her digital habits. Statistics showed that she opened her phone an average of 87 times a day and spent approximately 29 hours per week staring at her screen. As discussions around social media bans for children intensified in early December 2023, Flament reflected on her own relationship with technology.
Research indicates that social media platforms are engineered to encourage compulsive usage, turning users into habitual scrollers. Flament recognized that while she understood the potential negative impacts of excessive screen time, she was unable to break free from the cycle. Articles advocating for a healthier lifestyle offline resonated with her, prompting her to reconsider how she spent her time.
During a conversation with her partner, Flament expressed her desire to pursue a sport but struggled to identify where her free time had gone. After calculating her daily hours, she was left with the unsettling realization that much of it was consumed by digital distractions. The routine of checking her phone had become almost automatic, whether it was while waiting for her children or winding down for the evening.
Flament’s revelation came when she delved into her phone’s screen time statistics. Her average daily “pickups” reached a staggering 135 on weekends, and she received around 115 notifications daily from messaging apps alone. This excessive engagement left her feeling as though she never had time for herself or her family.
Determined to make a change, Flament set a personal challenge to disconnect from her screen. She decided to restrict her use of emails, news, and social media to working hours. Although this seemed straightforward, the initial days proved difficult. She found herself instinctively reaching for her phone as soon as she woke up and before going to bed, indicating how ingrained these habits had become.
Utilizing screen time settings as a barrier, Flament experienced withdrawal symptoms similar to those faced when giving up coffee. Despite feeling restless and anxious, she soon discovered the benefits of her digital detox. With newfound time on her hands, she reconnected with friends, spent quality moments in her garden, and enjoyed evening walks on the beach.
Flament’s partner joined her in the challenge, leading to unexpected household productivity. The couple’s experience highlighted the stark contrast between the captivating allure of digital devices and the richness of real-life interactions.
As Flament noted, devices are designed to keep users engaged, but life outside the screen holds immense value. “We only get a small amount of time on this planet,” she stated. “I don’t want to waste that time scrolling.”
The journey of reducing screen time is not just personal for Flament but also serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing digital engagement with real-world experiences. As conversations about social media usage continue to evolve, her story emphasizes the need for reflection on how technology impacts daily life.
