Screen Free Week

Most of us parents know already that screens are pervasive. They are everywhere: our cars, restaurants, our homes, and our pockets. Screens are so pervasive that, according to Common Sense Media, 98% of kids ages 0-8 have access to mobile devices such as tablets and smart phones.

Now you might be thinking, "UGH! Not another guilt trip about letting my kids access technology." Trust me that is not my goal. Instead, I hope to encourage you to reflect. Reflect on how your family uses technology. The when, what, where and how your child interact with television and mobile devices. And maybe, just maybe, challenge you to participate in Screen Free Week in some way. 

Screen Free Week runs April 30-May 6. What exactly is Screen Free Week? Screen Free Week actually started way back in 1994 with goal of lessening the amount of time people were watching TV. Of course, as we know television is just one of many screens that kids and families utilize. The goal of screen free week is to provide an annual, international celebration that encourages families to exchange technology entertainment for other activities that don't require screens. The hope is that families will connect with one another, friends, family and the world around them in place of digital entertainment. 

The idea of going complete cold-turkey on technology for an entire week might cause a little moment of panic. I know I feel a little overwhelmed by the idea. So instead of biting off more than my family and I can chew, we are going to make some small changes to how we are using technology. Here a few ideas we are going to try: 

• Phone free hour-Everyone will put their phones away for an hour each night. 
• Play Outside-Everyone will go outside and play instead of watching TV after school. 
• Board Game Night
• Nature walk/hike 

So I encourage you and your family to make a plan, commit for a whole week of screen free or just make some small changes for even just an hour or two per day. For more ideas check out the Additional Resources section on the Screen Free Week Website.