HEALTH AND SAFETY •
Context matters When this behaviour exists in a context like ours marked by high trauma, unemployment, under-resourced healthcare, widespread mental health challenges and poor socio-economic conditions, it ' s easier to understand why so many South Africans may turn to screens. Moreover, in a society where people face constant and extreme challenges, screen overuse may not even register as a serious risk. Yet it can have catastrophic consequences. In South Africa, distracted driving, particularly due to cell phone use, is a major contributor to road accidents and fatalities. When we’ re in a compromised mental state( rushed, distracted, overwhelmed) we’ re more likely to make dangerous decisions, including using our phones when it isn’ t safe. In high-risk environments such as mining and manufacturing, this risk to self and others is immense. Although many mines have policies regarding limitations around cell phone usage( e. g. not to walk, use equipment or drive using a cell phone), often it is not adequately enforced, and accidents still occur because of people looking at screens and being unaware of their surroundings.
Small steps toward healthier screen habits The issue is often not the issue: Ask yourself: What am I trying to avoid, escape or distract myself from when I spend hours on my phone? Often, screen time is a symptom of something deeper. Acknowledging this is the first step and seeking professional support can help. Professional support can help you understand your stress responses, identify your destructive coping behaviours, and help you find healthier ways to deal with stress.
Know your usage: Most smartphones have a digital wellbeing app that tracks your screen time and how it’ s spent. If, like me, you’ re shocked by the results, it may be time to cut back. Ask yourself: How does my screen usage make me feel? What is it costing me?
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bed. This encourages meaningful connection, better sleep, and opportunities for activities that support your wellbeing.
Set time limits: It’ s easy to lose 30 minutes, or more, scrolling through news apps or social media. Set a timer or alarm to help limit your use of certain apps and prevent mindless doomscrolling.
Turn off notifications: Constant alerts throughout the day fragment your attention. Disabling non-essential notifications or setting app timers, can help you stay focused and reduce stress.
Make the alternative appealing: Whether it’ s quality time with loved ones, a good book or waking up refreshed after a screenfree evening, create fun and appealing alternatives to screen time. The more enjoyable your off-screen activities are, the easier it is to stay unplugged.
Create phone-free zones: Establish areas or times in your home where phones are not allowed – like during meals or before
Although many mines have policies around limitations around cell phone usage( e. g. not to walk, use equipment or drive using a cell phone), often it is not adequately enforced, and accidents still occur because of people looking at screens and being unaware of their surroundings.
Screens are never going away and are likely to become more integral to everyday life, so it is important that we are intentional about understanding why and how we engage with our technology. When we do, we can reclaim our time, attention, and energy – and improve our overall health and quality of life. •
About PeopleSmart: PeopleSmart is an Organisational Development consultancy working across South Africa and the continent. The company focusses on leadership development, the design of selfsustaining wellness and safety programmes, Women in Mining, executive coaching, DEI and team building.
Taegan Devar, industrial psychologist and MD
For more information contact info @ peoplesmart. global.
Supplied by PeopleSmart www. africanmining. co. za African Mining Publication African Mining African Mining • August 2025 • 27