In an effort to address the growing concerns surrounding smartphone addiction, Geetaj Channana, Vivo India’s Head of Corporate Strategy, unveils an innovative “Switch Off” strategy aimed at limiting smartphone usage, particularly among parents and children. The recently conducted Vivo Study sheds light on the pervasive impact of smartphones on family relationships, urging a shift in behaviours to foster healthier ties.
Vivo Study findings:
1. Parental Concerns: Smartphones have become integral to daily life, significantly influencing parent-child relationships. The study reveals that 94% of parents express worry about their children’s mental health due to excessive smartphone use.
2. Shared Responsibility: Contrary to popular belief, parents themselves contribute to the overuse of phones. The study finds that 73% of children complain about their parents’ phone usage during shared time, emphasizing the need for a collective effort to address the issue.
Strategic Approach:
1. Raise Awareness: The foremost strategy involves creating awareness about the negative effects of excessive smartphone use on familial bonds.
2. Promote Healthy Habits: Encourage users to leverage phone features like the “switch off” option. Encourage children for meaningful interactions, allow them to express, never object to their emotions.
1. Meaningful Engagement: Advocate for activities that promote real-life connections, such as walks, interactive play, and encouraging outdoor activities with friends. Engage them in outdoor indoor games. Evening walks, meeting friends, visiting relatives’ homes, travels etc reduces screen time.
Outcomes of Vivo Study:
1. 94% of parents worry about their children’s mental health due to overuse of phones.
2. 91% of parents aspire to limit their children’s phone time.
3. Parents and children spend approximately 2 hours together, but 75% use phones during this time.
4. On average, parents spend 7.7 hours per day on phones, surpassing children’s usage by 1.2 hours.
Benefits of Reducing Smartphone Usage:
1. Improves mental health and well-being.
2. Strengthens relationships within the family.
3. Creates space for meaningful engagement and connection.
4. Fosters healthier habits and promotes digital detox.
Action Steps for Users:
1. Switch Off Day (December 20th): Participate in Vivo’s initiative by turning off smartphones for an hour, dedicating time to family and loved ones.
2. Be Mindful: Practice mindfulness in phone usage and establish boundaries.
3. Prioritize Real-life Connections: Choose genuine interactions over screen time to strengthen familial bonds.
In conclusion, Vivo’s “Switch Off” strategy, spearheaded by Geetaj Channana, aims to instigate a positive change in smartphone usage habits, prioritizing family well-being and fostering healthier relationships.
Compiled by:
Dr. Pramod N Sulikeri, Ph.D
