Screen off. (Eyes off the Screen)

Salam Support Services’ strategies are to improve Social Skills by Reducing Screen Time. To counteract these issues, experts recommend taking intentional steps to encourage “eyes off the screen” and promote face-to-face interactions. For example, kids may avoid awkward social moments by scrolling on their phones, leading to undervaluing direct interactions over time.

Eyes of the screen can result in “social development,” where teens and young adults exhibit poor eye contact, seem distracted, or struggle with basic conversations. Children focused on screens miss out on reading facial expressions, understanding tone, and developing empathy, which are honed through real-life exchanges. In classrooms, this manifests as students avoiding eye contact, not responding to peers, or exhibiting reduced critical thinking in group settings.

Excessive screen time among youth has been linked to a decline in social skills, particularly in areas such as maintaining eye contact, engaging in face-to-face communication, and developing empathy. This phrase, “eyes off the screen,” encapsulates the growing concern that constant device use is hindering real-world interactions, leading to challenges in building relationships and navigating social situations.

Salam Support Services reduces screen time, including that spent on smartphones, social media, and gaming, often replacing in-person interactions. This enhances opportunities for youth to practice nonverbal cues, such as eye contact, which is essential for showing respect, and strengthens their efforts.

Focus on Foundational Skills: Target areas such as survival (e.g., following directions), interpersonal skills (e.g., giving compliments), problem-solving (e.g., asking for help), and conflict resolution (e.g., dealing with teasing).

Model and Teach Behaviors: seniors and educators should demonstrate good social skills, such as maintaining eye contact during conversations and providing patient guidance without blame. For instance, greet students at the door with direct eye contact to set expectations, or use signals to remind kids when their voice gets too loud in excitement.

Encourage Non-Screen Activities: Promote board games, outdoor play, physical exercise, reading, or cooking together to build interpersonal skills like sharing, waiting turns, and problem-solving.