There are screens everywhere - TVs, computers, mobile phones, tablets, and video games! On average, children ages 2-8 are spending between 2 - 6 hours per day on a screen
Screens provide us with a lot of information and entertainment. However, just like with sweet treats, we must enjoy them in moderation. Extended time on screens can impact sleep, social and emotional growth, mental health, language development, and overall physical health.
Planning Screen-Free Time
Start small.
- Plan 1 to 2 screen-free activities throughout the week. Leave the other days and times to explore and discover screen-free fun on your own. You can brainstorm some screen-free plans with this handout.
- Create tech-free zones like the dinner table or the bedroom.
- Set daily limits on screen time.
- If using a screen, make it active! Choose programs and videos that encourage movement.
Get Creative. Setting the screen down doesn’t have to be boring. Try out some of these fun resources for screen-free fun.
Screen-Free Bingo
Fort Fun
101 Screen Free Activities (Spanish)
Screen free reading fun|
Screen-Free Game Ideas
Screen-Free Nature Based Ideas
Reflect and Celebrate!
Take time to reflect on your screen-free time. How did your mind and body feel? Don’t forget to congratulate yourself with this free certificate (Spanish).
Go Further
Looking to engage the whole family in screen-free wellness?
Try some “digital housekeeping.” Look through old devices, then service, sell, or recycle them. You can also set up a charging station for the whole family to charge their devices overnight. This is a great way to keep screens away from the bedroom, and ready to go for the next day.
Check out this guide to bring screen-free fun to your school.
