For this post I’ll share some commonplace practices that can, like screen-time, contribute to dysregulation in children. The first issue we see primarily in tweens and teens, while the second two apply to younger kids.
Here are 3 non-screen technology sources that can detune the nervous system, leading to tantrums, rages, depression, sleep disturbance, and/or anxiety:
- Ear buds–
screen addiction specialists are increasingly recommending to ban use of ear buds during treatment. I discovered the dysregulating effect of headphones years ago with a particularly difficult patient who was screen fasting but not improving; she finally “reset” once we got rid of the headphones. (We still allowed music via speaker.) Ear buds are even worse than headphones- they contribute to isolation and overstimulation, and because they’re wireless they’re often used non-stop. They also use bluetooth which emit EMF and are literally sitting next your child’s brain. The link to depression is also supported by research.
- Remote control cars- I think of these as playing a video game but without the screen. They are highly arousing, fast paced, and kids are oten watching them without moving much. In contrast to ear buds, not every kid will have side effects from these, but for everyone I recommend avoiding use during the Reset/screen-fasting. Afterwards, assuming the child is no longer dysregulated, you can try them occasionally but mitigate their impact by doing it in a big park and having the kids take turns driving and chasing them.
- Toys with buttons, sounds and/or lights – These are hard to get away from and even if you don’t buy them, some well-meaning family member will! Do not fall for the “teaches kids cause-and-effect” wording on the packaging. Cause and effect is innate, it does not need to be taught. And what it does teach is that having fun needs to be immediately rewarding and overstimulating! Toys should stimulate creativity, not entertain. Be especially mindful of these toys if your has ADHD, ASD, or any delays. They’ll undermine all your other hard work!
The common thread we see here is artificial and intense stimulation. For evolutionary reasons the brain is attracted to stimulating things, but mother nature never intended it to be able to tolerate unnatural stimulation, especially over long periods. A good rule of thumb is that anything that uses electricity – plug in or battery- can potentially dysregulate and won’t brain-build as optimally as natural play.
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Recommendations
For more help on how screen-time impacts the nervous system and psyche, see the Screen Time and Your Child’s Brain webinar.
One of the best parts is that you can see a video of a family who did the Reset screen fasting protocol (and ended up remaining screen-free afterward, by the way!) . It’s powerful testimony.
Melanie Hempe’s talk is also super important, particularly regarding Dr Gabor Mate’s work on how parents should matter more than peers. It’s compelling and she’s an engaging speaker.
Check out the webinar here.