Back To Human: Reset Our Children to Default
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I worry about my children and their generation and how they are slowly losing their ability to access their Default Mode Network (DMN). This crucial mental state, which activates during periods of rest or quiet reflection, plays a vital role in developing creativity, problem-solving, and emotional awareness. Yet, as screens and digital noise dominate their every waking moment, they rarely experience the stillness needed for their DMN to function fully.
The constant barrage of notifications and online distractions keeps young minds externally focused, preventing the internal processing which fosters introspection and independent thinking. Without enough downtime, children risk growing up having diminished creativity, emotional detachment, and an inability to engage in deep thought. Much like a device that never shuts down, their mental flexibility suffers, leaving them more reactive and less capable of critical reflection or forming genuine connections.
To help the young reconnect with their DMN, we can adopt a few practical approaches:
- Mindful Moments: Teach them simple mindfulness exercises, such as focused breathing or quiet observation, to encourage them to pause and reflect. These habits create the mental space needed for their DMN to activate, supporting deeper thought and emotional regulation.
- Redefine Relaxation: Help children understand that true rest doesn’t come from scrolling through their phones. While it may feel like a break, device use keeps the mind overstimulated. Instead, foster moments where they can clear their thoughts and let their imagination wander. Try quiet reading, drawing, or simply daydreaming to recharge their minds and nurture creativity.
- Promote Phone-Free Programmes: During meals, walks, or even when unwinding after school, encourage kids to set their phones aside. Such periods help them reset and allow space for self-reflection and problem-solving.
If we don’t prioritise these practices, we risk raising a generation that struggles with introspection, empathy, and independent thinking. Over time, children may become overly reliant on external stimuli, forgetting about themselves and their inner world. We must try to guide them back to moments of stillness, ensuring they retain the ability to think deeply, process emotions, and form meaningful connections.