Voice of British Muslim Women

Navida Sayed, London

Mobile phones, iPads, tablets, and laptops significantly transformed people’s lives during the lockdown. Devices and gadgets became the central hub of social communication, education, the workplace and in the home.  While electronic devices were pivotal for social connections and interactions during the pandemic, media outlets recently reported serious concerns over the dangers associated with prolonged screen time and its mental health implications.[1] A report mentioned problems relating to teenagers being exposed to cyberbullying, sexting, nudity and gaming addiction.[2] Even politicians recognised the impact of excessive social media; in this context a newspaper reported how ‘social media addiction should be seen as a disease’.[3] Another media outlet reported ‘Why not regulate social media like tobacco or alcohol?’ a form of psychological addiction.[4] Evidence surrounding excessive screen time impact on mental health and wellbeing is not new. Many famous celebrities embarked on digital detox programs to gain wellbeing in body and mind.[5] In this vein, a wonderful solution Islam offers in gaining maximum physical and mental health benefits is through the process of fasting during the month of Ramadan; this would be an excellent time to benefit from screen time management, a screen time detox or even a screen time fast.

Ramadan is a perfect time to experience emotional and mental well-being through self-discipline and practice of controlling one’s emotions, and behaviours. During Ramadan practicing mindfulness of self-consciousness and becoming aware of ones thoughts and actions, enables individuals to steer away from negativity through worship, recitation of the Holy Qur’an and by attaining spiritual knowledge. The act of worship and reflection allows the flow of pure thoughts and peace of mind. While digital devices form an integral part of our day to day communication, during the month of Ramadan taking a break from unnecessary screen time would be beneficial.

If individuals are unable to fast due to medical reasons, including children due to young age, they can continue to seek the blessings through engaging in extra prayer throughout the holy month.

Fasting in the month of Ramadan enables a process of mental well-being by refraining from bad practices and habits such as arguing, fighting, or lustful thoughts. Many bad practices are associated with the internet and screen time. Studies reflect mobile devices demonstrate harmful effects in adult relationships and the technology that was designed to bring humans closer together has distanced relationships, these studies involved individuals like husbands and wives engrossed in their devices to the extent that they ignored what their loved one was saying.[6]  Research provides evidence about the potential connections between frequent social media usage, mental health and wellbeing in young people and adolescents.[7] A study showed how adolescents spending more time on screens reported mental health issues, whereas adolescents who reduced screen time and engaged in activities such as, sports/exercise, studying and attending religious services were less likely to suffer mental health implications.[8] Ramadan offers an opportunity to engage in religious worship and more family time especially during the meal times before and after opening the fast.

Set this as an individual or family challenge to try a screen time detox in the month of Ramadan alongside fasting and get family and friends to join in. Take advantage of the blessed month of Ramadan to balance screen time effectively and gain maximum benefit of physical and emotional well-being by focusing on extra worship and family time instead of screen time.

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[1]The Irish Times. 2021. Screen time linked to rising mental health issues in children – study. [online] Available at: <https://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/screen-time-linked-to-rising-mental-health-issues-in-children-study-1.4360883&gt;.

[2]time, M., 2021. Mental health concerns as pandemic increases children’s screen time. [online] euronews. Available at: <https://www.euronews.com/2021/03/30/increased-screen-time-creates-mental-health-concerns-in-children&gt; [Accessed 30 March 2021].

[3]the Guardian. 2021. Social media addiction should be seen as a disease, MPs say. [online] Available at: <https://www.theguardian.com/media/2019/mar/18/social-media-addiction-should-be-seen-as-disease-mps-say&gt;.

[4]the Guardian. 2018. Why not regulate social media like tobacco or alcohol? | Roger McNamee. [online] Available at: <https://www.theguardian.com/media/2018/jan/29/social-media-tobacco-facebook-google&gt;.

[5]The Cabin Chiang Mai. 2017. Digitally Detoxing Celebrities. [online] Available at: <https://www.thecabinchiangmai.com/blog/digitally-detoxing-celebrities/&gt;.

[6]David, M. and Roberts, J., 2017. Phubbed and Alone: Phone Snubbing, Social Exclusion, and Attachment to Social Media. Journal of the Association for Consumer Research, 2(2), pp.155-163.

[7]Viner, R., Gireesh, A., Stiglic, N., Hudson, L., Goddings, A., Ward, J. and Nicholls, D., 2019. Roles of cyberbullying, sleep, and physical activity in mediating the effects of social media use on mental health and wellbeing among young people in England: a secondary analysis of longitudinal data. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, 3(10), pp.685-696.

[8]Twenge, J., Joiner, T., Rogers, M. and Martin, G., 2017. Increases in Depressive Symptoms, Suicide-Related Outcomes, and Suicide Rates Among U.S. Adolescents After 2010 and Links to Increased New Media Screen Time. Clinical Psychological Science, 6(1), pp.3-17.