Every April and September there is a nationwide Screen-free Week to unplug from the screens and plug back in to our families. Why do I support this wholeheartedly? Because I see the benefit from getting away from it all every once in awhile. We live in a media-rich society, so I know that it is impossible to completely turn everything off... most of us couldn't do our jobs without a computer. But I challenge you to substitute recreational screen time with other activites for just one week and see what happens.
Some facts and statistics:
- Screen Time = television, video games, computer time, handheld games, social media, movies -- anything with a screen.
- The typical school aged child has 7.5 hours of screen time daily. That's more time than ANY other activity except sleep!
- The typical preschool child watches over 4.5 hours of screen time daily.
- Screen time is linked to aggression, ADHD, and obesity among other things.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends NO screen time under 2 years of age and no more than 10 hours per week for older children.
- The AAP recommends no televisions, computers, or other electronic media in children's bedrooms.
- An average preschool child sees nearly 25,000 commercials.
- Screen time inhibits sleep.
- More from the links below!
- my kids initially grumble (ok, it is a stronger disagreement, but...)
- they quickly find other things to keep busy
- they play better together with less fighting
- they argue less with me when asked to do something
- we overall enjoy one another more
- at the end of the week they choose to do things without the tv or computers
- they slowly start to watch / do more on the screens
- they are once again addicted to the screen and I have to pull them away.
What can you do besides watch tv or play on the computer or game system?
- Go for a walk.
- Ride a bike.
- Play ball.
- Have a picnic.
- Play a board game.
- Read a book.
- Make up a play. Be creative!
- Dance.
- Cook dinner together as a family.
- Talk to a friend or family member. Talk, not text!
- Go to the park or zoo.
- Check out the new aquarium.
It is an overall good experience. Read my post-Screen-Free Week Reflections from the last screen-free week here.
I will try not to be on line during the Screen Free Week, April 30-May 6th. (Hard work, I know... scanning the internet is my biggest pastime/hobby ~ AKA timewaster.)
Join me off line and plug in to your families! Have a fun week and I'll see you back on Facebook and Twitter May 7th!
For more information:
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