SCREEN TIME BALANCE FOR OPTIMAL HEALTH
Welcome to Virtual Wellness New Zealand. We aim to empower individuals seeking information and support to manage their internet and screen use effectively.
With the rise of artificial intelligence, platforms like social media now deliver highly personalised content designed to keep us engaged and often on our devices for longer than intended.
Our mission is to raise awareness about the risks associated with excessive screen time and provide guidance to help you regain a balance in your digital life.
Our Services
There are a number of signs that you may be using the Internet excessively. You can complete our free self-assessment quiz to determine whether a reduction in screen time may be beneficial.
Quiz
The latest research on Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) and Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). This research highlights the importance of managing excessive screen time.
Read the latest New Zealand and overseas media articles on the risks and dangers associated with excess screen time.
76% of people believe they spend “too much” time on their phones. Of all the adults surveyed, 40% are spending five or more hours on their phone each day and 20% are spending seven or more. Average screen time is five hours. 74% of people who have tried to reduce their screen time struggle to do so.
BePresentThe amount of time kids’ spend online worried 75% of parents and is the number one worry. Yet, 50% (of parents) said they spent too much time on their own devices, and 66% admit to relying on screens as a bargaining chip to distract children.
nib SurveyWe find that 15% of 15 year olds report using the internet for more than 6 hours per day on a weekday outside of school. Once daily internet use (on weekdays outside of school) exceeds about two hours, we find no positive association of internet use and wellbeing.
Motu Economic and Public Research Policy
Dr Anna Lembke is Professor of Psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine and chief of the Stanford Addiction Medicine Dual Diagnosis Clinic. She is the author of bestselling books such as, ‘Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence’.
Read MoreWe greatly appreciate your feedback on this website and would like to know what information you found useful and what services you would like to see next. Please take a couple of minutes to let us know.
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