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The COVID-19 pandemic brought an unprecedented surge in screen time as remote work, virtual schooling and online socializing became the norm. This digital reliance, while crucial for connectivity, has raised concerns about its impact on mental health. 

Prolonged screen exposure contributes to eyestrain, disrupted sleep patterns and heightened stress levels. Excessive screen use also correlates to increased feelings of isolation, anxiety and depression, particularly among children and adolescents. 

Experts have linked excessive screen time to declining mental health, evident in a 40% surge in persistent sadness and decreased test scores. Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt attributed this crisis to smartphone proliferation post-2010, which turned these devices into learning inhibitors.

Finding a balance by incorporating screen breaks, outdoor activities, and setting boundaries is vital. Addressing this phenomenon requires a collective effort -- digital mindfulness, moderation and prioritizing offline interactions to foster better mental well-being amidst our digital age.

The no-phone movement

In May this year, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory about the risks posed by social media to the mental health of children and teenagers. Dr. Murthy urges immediate action from technology companies and lawmakers to protect young individuals from the potentially addictive nature and inappropriate content on platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat. He then encouraged parents to create "tech-free zones" that would help moderate social media use. 

Last October, several schools in the United States started to implement a no-phone movement, which banned students from using their phones throughout the day, including their lunch breaks. This is in response to the escalating distraction that mobile phones pose. 

New York's Newburgh Free Academy embodies this movement, adopting pouches that lock away phones for seven hours daily. Initially met with resistance, students now thrive in this phone-free environment, walking with lifted heads, engaging in real conversations and experiencing improved focus in classes.

In a recent report, students Tyson Hill and Monique May confirmed this and acknowledged that it is a relief after always being on their phones during the COVID-19 lockdown.