Let's face it, it seems that kids having access to screens and digital life from such an early age is really taking its toll on their well-being. And it's not just in Finland, eh? We see it in a lot of countries that are already quite developed.

It's true that technology gives us good things, I don't deny that, but it's also bringing a few messes on a social, emotional and physical level that, truth be told, we can't just look the other way.

I think it is key to try to get them to spend less time in front of screens, to encourage them to play more outdoors, to run around, to get a little dirty, and at the same time, to put more effort into teaching them about their emotions. These are steps that, yes or yes, we have to take.

Changing this dynamic is not something that only one person can do, we all need to work together. But if we succeed, I truly believe that we will be laying a much more solid foundation for new generations to grow up healthy and happy.

I have that screen struggle a lot, especially with other families. I don't blame Lily, I was the same - only allowed 30min of screentime a day when around 8 years old, so I actually chose some of my "friends" by what console they had and how much we were allowed to play there. 

But I had books at home, so my screentime were those. And that was of a huge benefit. I'm so excited about Lily starting to read now, and can't wait to start exploring new worlds together. I have so many authors I either want to read to her or with her. It's honestly one of the things that get me most excited, as it is a step back into my childhood. 

She will meet the flickering screens eventually, and is allowed to watch around 90min per week (sometimes a movie in one evening, sometimes a few times divided into several days). She will get into video games, probably. I'll play with her, no problem, so I can keep an eye on the total screentime and make sure that pagetime is prioritized. 

And in the meantime, I'll keep watching all those kids becoming trolls. With humpbacks, terrible social skills and narcissistic behavior patterns. And that's who Lily will have to deal with. *sigh*

I think a lot of the problem comes down to reinforcement as well.  If you are going to take a stand against screens, you need to be backed up on it.  For example, my nieces and nephews spend a lot of time on screens. That's just what they are allowed to do, we can try to limit their exposure when we are with them, but if we want to spend time with them, it's what we have to deal with.  The alternative is we draw a hard line and they never want to spend time with us again. I think they would realize as they got older we were right, but then you just lost that "precious" time with them.  I know, how precious can it be when they are buried in a screen right?!

Very good reflective work yours, @tarazkp. We are obviously facing a difficult and complex reality. On the one hand, it is known that the digital exercise of our young people helps them to develop certain technological skills. But we also know, from close or referential experience, that it is affecting their attention span, their sociability, but, even more seriously, their proper command of language and communicative expression. 
It must be confronted at various levels and in various ways. One of them is, undoubtedly, in the family, and another, at school. But this requires prior preparation of both parents and educators.
Thank you for sharing your reflections. Best regards.

There's an imbalance between generation perspectives that's why problems arise. They are very well known as the happiest country but they have so many problems too, but maybe they handle it very well and it satisfies people in giving justice. They are still on top because I think their percentage is at the lowest compare to other countries. 

This is so true. Growing up with screens everywhere, it's crazy how much it's affecting us without even realizing it. We're all just used to it now, but it's starting to show in ways we can't ignore. It's crazy to see the impact , but at least we're startingg to notice it now

We managed to keep our daughter away from the screen until almost 12 years old, but she is rapidly increasing her screen time. Without having a phone and apps she would become a social outcast in school, so we are slowly giving in...

It is sad to see that a country like Finland, often refers to the happiest place and most advanced in terms of education, is now struggling with things like teen suicide, obesity, and school performance.

 It makes a lot of sense that screens and digital life are a big part of the problem. The kids that aren't playing or socializing like before, just staring at devices all day. 

However, Something definitely needs to change. The society need to focus on positive changes and not profit and what will just increase their GDP alone. Humanity should be taken into consideration in anything they do. It is sad that nobody really cares, particularly with the influx of technology these days and the manipulation that comes with it. 

Just talked with a colleague today that it is not easy to study for important exams such as university entrance for this generation as they are smartphone-addicted. 

We used to play console games and spend much time for them in front of TV., but we didn't miss it while we were just 5 mins away from it :)