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Presenter: Hello! This is Health and Technology. Our guest today is Dr. Buckley, a Professor of Psychology at University College London, whose latest article titled "Digital Dieting" has sparked a lot of debate. Good morning, Dr. Buckley!

Dr. Buckley: Hello!

Presenter: Dr. Buckley, the idea of limiting the amount of time people spend in front of a screen is not new, and neither is the term "Digital dieting". So, why such an explosive reaction?

Dr. Buckley: There were several points that I made that didn’t sit well with some of the readers, especially parents of teenagers. However, many other readers saw my point, and surprisingly, there was a high percentage of parents of teenagers among them, as well.

Presenter: So, what did you write that was so controversial?

Dr. Buckley: Well, it is obvious that the word "diet" as in "digital dieting" reminds people of eating habits. And this is exactly why this word is used  — it’s the same concept as in healthy eating. However, in today’s world the word "diet" is often associated with losing weight and eating very little. Similarly, many parents want to minimize the amount of time their children spend on their phones, even to the extent of starving them of this technology altogether.

Presenter: To be honest, I also thought that digital dieting was about that. It’s not?

Dr. Buckley: The word diet in the medical sense does not necessarily mean less. It comes from a Greek root that means "way of life". There are different diets for different illnesses and conditions. A diet may limit or even ban the intake of certain foods, but it never completely stops you from eating!

Presenter: So  — how can we apply this to digital devices?

Dr. Buckley: As parents, we often forget that information technology is an essential part of our teenagers' lives. You cannot just stop them from using their gadgets. They need them! For school, for fun, and for communication. While some people believe that our youngsters have lost the ability to socialize, it is not true. They use their phones to do exactly that  — stay connected to others. They communicate with a lot more people than their parents did when they were teenagers. They just do it differently. I agree that liking somebody's post on social media or even leaving a comment isn’t the same as talking to someone in person, but our kids communicate with an incredible number of people all around the world, which broadens their horizons.

Presenter: I bet this was the other point that the parents didn’t want to hear!

Dr. Buckley: You are right! But they will have to see it sooner or later. So, by digital dieting, we mean developing healthier digital habits without having to give up technology completely.

Presenter: What kinds of habits? Can you give our listeners a short list?

Dr. Buckley: Certainly. Firstly, spend more time outside. Nowadays, teenagers spend as little as four minutes outside on average. This is unacceptable. It leads to depression and other disorders. Secondly, while outside, try to take a break from your gadgets. Look at the sky, trees, birds, or other people. Jog or take a brisk walk daily. Outdoor free time provides various benefits, including better school performance. Thirdly, avoid using digital devices before sleeping at all costs. Turn them off at a specific time every day and spend at least one or two hours before bedtime doing something that doesn’t involve screens. This way you will get much better sleep. Finally, when talking to other people, don’t get distracted by phones. It’s much more enjoyable to have a conversation with a person who pays attention and therefore (fades out).