How Parents Can Help Teens Avoid Screen Burnout
- Tokyo Chiropractor Dr Ariel Thorpe
- Jul 21
- 2 min read
“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”
– Frederick Douglass
The pandemic dramatically reshaped how we learn and connect, and teens have felt the shift more than anyone. Zoom fatigue is real. In December 2019, Zoom had 10 million users. By April 2020, that number exploded to 300 million, with more than 90,000 schools using the platform.
While video learning may seem like a modern invention, it actually has deep roots. During the 1918 influenza pandemic, schools closed for up to 15 weeks. Then in 1937, during the polio outbreak, teachers used radio broadcasts to reach quarantined students. But today’s digital experience goes far beyond school.
Why Screen Burnout Is About More Than School
The real problem isn’t just remote learning—it’s the excessive screen use paired with a steep drop in physical activity. Kids now sit for about 90 minutes a day for school, and more than 8 hours a day for entertainment.
One study found that during the pandemic, adolescents in Shanghai became 44% less active, and the number who got enough exercise dropped by 42%. That’s a massive shift in just a short time.
Why Sitting Is Now “The New Smoking”
The phrase “sitting is the new smoking” is becoming more common for a reason. Long periods of sitting and high screen use are linked to major health risks, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. What started as a temporary adjustment during COVID now looks more like a permanent lifestyle change.
Parents Play the Biggest Role in Limiting Screen Time
Thankfully, parents have a powerful influence here. Research shows that the most important factor in how much screen time a child gets is how confident parents feel in setting limits. In other words, if parents believe they can enforce screen time boundaries, their kids are more likely to meet healthy activity guidelines.
Here are three practical, research-backed strategies parents can start using today:
1. Be a Role Model for Movement
Kids copy what they see. If you’re staying active—going for walks, stretching, or exercising—your kids are more likely to follow your lead.
2. Make Mealtime a Screen-Free Zone
Turn off all devices during meals, including your own. This not only creates time for connection but gives the body space to rest and digest.
3. Consider a Chiropractic Check Up
If your child is constantly hunched over a screen or complaining of tiredness or poor posture, a visit to a chiropractor can help. Proper neurological and postural development during these years is key—and small adjustments can make a big difference.
Looking for an expat-friendly chiropractor in Tokyo? Dr. Ariel Thorpe, D.C., is licensed and registered in California, Hong Kong, and Japan. Electra Chiropractic offers holistic, sustainable care to the entire family. Book a consultation online now and help your teen improve their posture and health.
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