Do you spend a lot of time watching YouTube videos? It may have been okay during summer vacation when it was hot and you had nothing else to do. But now that school is starting, you will need to cut back on your YouTube usage so that you don’t neglect your studies.
A lot of homeschoolers legitimately use YouTube for watching educational videos. But while YouTube can be a source of entertainment and information, it can also be addictive and lead to negative implications when teens spend too much time on it.
According to a survey conducted by Common Sense Media, young people watch videos on YouTube for an average of 1 to 1.5 hours per day. If you’re spending way more time than that, you should work on breaking the habit.
Excessive YouTube usage can lead to addiction, which can cause disruptions and distress in one’s life. It can also lead to a decrease in focus and attention span, while increasing the need for more constant stimulation and instant gratification. Additionally, too much screen time of any kind can be harmful to a developing brain.
Here are ten tips to help curb your YouTube addiction:
- Educate yourself about the dangers of excessive screen time.
- Take a YouTube holiday and do something completely different for one day.
- Set limits on when you watch; i.e., wait until after all your homework is done.
- Limit how much time you spend on YouTube. For example, you could establish a rule that you will only look at YouTube for an hour per day.
- Set an alarm to remind you when it’s time to get ready for bed so you don’t stay up late watching videos.
- If you’re going to watch YouTube a lot, at least stick to educational channels.
- Take regular breaks from screens and engage in other activities such as reading, going for a nature walk, or spending time with friends and family to relax and have fun.
- Read books, articles, or blogs as an alternative to watching videos.
- Listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks as a way to rest your eyes and pass the time.
- Engage in physical activities such as running, cycling, or swimming to help you stay fit and healthy.
Remember, it’s important to strike a balance between screen time and other activities that promote overall physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being.