HEALTH AND SAFETY •
Image by Freepik
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU REFLECTED ON YOUR SCREEN TIME?
By Taegan Devar, industrial psychologist and MD of organisational development company, PeopleSmart
When was the last time you checked how much time you spend on your cell phone? The last time I did, I had a rude awakening: I was averaging five hours a day on my phone. That’ s five hours I could’ ve invested in my health, my work, better sleep, deeper connections with family and friends – or even just reading a book.
As the research emerges, the world has woken up to the damage that excessive screen time and social media is having on our physical and mental health. And this is not just global research. South Africa’ s statistics are concerning. According to a 2024 study by Electronics Hub, South Africans spend an average of 56.8 % of their waking hours on screens – approximately 9 hours and 24 minutes per day – the highest of any country in the world. In addition, we top the list of countries who spend the most time on social media with an average of 3 hours and 41 minutes every day.
This is not to take away from the reality that our devices help us navigate our world. From staying connected and doing our jobs to accessing information, navigating traffic, being entertained or ordering groceries, devices are undeniably useful. However, how we choose to spend our time matters. It’ s worth asking: What is excessive screen time taking away from us? And are there healthier ways to engage with our technology?
sedentary lifestyle, neck, shoulder and back pain), mental health concerns( anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation, mood disorders) or strain on relationships and cognitive development( disconnection, loneliness, loss of focus) – the consequences of constant screen exposure are serious and far-reaching.
We“ numb” Dr Michael Rich, founder of the Boston Children’ s Digital Wellness Lab, describes how“ we use our phones to numb ourselves.” For many, prolonged screen use becomes a coping mechanism to avoid deeper issues – trauma, stress or mental health challenges. Consider the young professional who is the first university graduate in her family. She now carries the financial burden of supporting everyone on her salary. The pressure to succeed is immense, and she barely has time to care for herself. At the end of a long day, she scrolls endlessly through social media. For her, it may be a form of selfsoothing, offering a fleeting sense of escape and sense of control that she is unable to get elsewhere in her life.
The cost of constant connectivity In our work, we’ re increasingly hearing from people who are struggling with the effects of prolonged screen time and it ' s taking a toll on their health and wellbeing. Whether it’ s behavioural addiction( online gambling, shopping, pornography, social media, streaming services, video games), physical impacts( eye strain,
In high-risk environments such as mining and manufacturing, this risk to self and others is immense.
www. africanmining. co. za African Mining Publication African Mining African Mining • August 2025 • 25