Reconnect with your surroundings during screen-free week

We are amidst Screen-Free Week, but it’s not too late to start celebrating now. Screen-Free Week is an annual observance the first week of May and is a pledge to enjoy life away from digital entertainment. Screen use includes watching television, browsing the web, and playing video game or apps (tablets, smartphones, etc.).

With work and school relying heavily on technology, it may be impossible to completely give it up for one week. Instead, focus on taking a break from digital entertainment — activities that are not required for either school or work.

I remember a time when there weren’t any computers, tablets, or smartphones. During the summer we would play outdoor games such as Kick the Can and Hide-and-Go-Seek. We would stay outside until dinner and then after dinner until the street lights came on. We were active all day!

Taking a break from screen use can allow children to daydream, be creative, and read books in addition to being active and interacting with friends and family. In an effort to combat childhood obesity, Screen-Free Week can encourage healthy habits that can last for a lifetime. Similar to making small changes for eating healthy, small changes to screen use can also help create positive habits.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children and infants under 2 years of age avoid media use. Preschoolers should not get more than 1 hour per day of educational screen use and all other children and teens should limit screen time to no more than 2 hours per day, making sure it’s not displacing other healthy activities such as sleep, physical activity, and family meals.

Easier said than done when we are glued to our phones, tablets, computers, and televisions. What small changes can we make to reduce screen time? And I don’t mean just for children, after all parents and caregivers act as role models and should set examples. Try one or all of these tips in your household to lead a healthier life:

Have daily set times for screen use and mark it on a calendar for all to see (whether it’s an allotted time or times of your favorite shows).

Create and post a list of fun activities family members can do after school or work.

Avoid televisions in bedrooms. This will reduce the amount of time “skipping” out on family time or other fun activities.

Turn the television off during meal times and do not allow other forms of screen time at the table. Instead, talk about how the day went or plan a future family activity.

Put your television service on a temporary or “vacation” hold (if your service provider allows it) for the summer months when there is plenty of light and warm weather to enjoy multiple activities.

Power down your electronics and get engaged in life!

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Kimberly Young, MS, RDN, LD, is the WIC Coordinator at Panhandle Health District and a graduate of the University of Idaho Dietetic program.