Summer Screens Done Right: Making Tech Work for Your Family This Summer
The clinicians at BASE are currently reading Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness. The author has presented a significant amount of data to support his primary thesis that the shift from a play-based to a phone-based childhood has interfered with children’s social and emotional development, contributing to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and social consequences (e.g., loneliness, social comparison). Haidt, a social psychologist, offers several proposed solutions to address these issues, primarily around limiting smartphones and social media use before certain ages, enforcing phone-free school zones, and prioritizing childhood independence through unsupervised play. While I agree with many of these ideas in theory, the practicality of enforcing these strategies universally and immediately seems challenging. After all, you can’t simply un-ring a bell…especially one that’s been sounding for at least the last decade. As another option we can lean into now, I’ve found myself thinking about how we can prioritize using technology differently, particularly for more beneficial purposes. Now that schools are out for summer break, it’s easy to fall into the trap of endless screen time. Summer might actually provide a fantastic opportunity to use technology in creative, educational, and even health-promoting ways.
Before we explore fun and potentially valuable ways to use our various devices, a quick note about balance. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests limiting screen time for school-aged children to around two hours a day, with even less for younger kids. So while the goal isn’t necessarily to eliminate screens, we want to ensure they don't displace other crucial activities like outdoor play, face-to-face interaction, sleep, and creative pursuits.
With that in mind, here are some intentional ways to use technology to your family’s advantage and enrichment this summer.
Using Tech to Encourage Physical Activity
Who says screens are just for sitting still?
Active Gaming: Games that encourage physical movement, like those on Nintendo Switch or Xbox Kinect, can be a great way to burn off some energy indoors on a rainy day.
Geocaching and Adventure Apps: Turn your neighborhood or a local park into a treasure hunt! Geocaching apps lead you to hidden caches using GPS, encouraging exploration and problem-solving.
Fitness Trackers for Kids: Devices like the Fitbit Ace LTE can make staying active a fun competition, tracking steps and encouraging movement, while also offering parents a way to stay connected.
Drone Piloting (with supervision!): For older kids, a kid-friendly drone can be a fascinating way to learn about physics and spatial awareness. Many are controlled by apps, adding a tech twist to outdoor fun.
Educational Tech to Prevent the “Summer Slide”
Technology can be a powerful tool to keep young minds engaged beyond the classroom.
Educational Apps: There's a world of fantastic apps designed to reinforce school subjects and introduce new concepts. Look for apps like Khan Academy Kids (free!), PBS KIDS Games, ABCmouse, Duolingo (for language learning), and ScratchJr (for coding). Many offer personalized learning paths.
Virtual Field Trips: Can't travel far? Explore museums, historical sites, and natural wonders around the globe with virtual tours and 360-degree videos.
Online Courses and Tutorials: From learning a new instrument to coding a simple game, platforms like YouTube and various educational websites offer free tutorials for almost any interest.
Tech for Family Fun
Technology can also enhance family bonding and creativity.
Family Movie Nights: Use a projector to turn your backyard into an outdoor cinema, or have everyone vote on a documentary to watch and discuss.
Collaborative Digital Art: Explore digital drawing apps or online design tools like Canva together to create family posters, vacation scrapbooks, or even design t-shirts.
Video Calls with Loved Ones: Summer often means travel opportunities to visit extended family, but technology can also help keep connections strong. Schedule regular video calls with grandparents, cousins, or friends who are far away.
DIY Projects: Get hands-on! Use apps and online tutorials (like on YouTube or Pinterest) to discover and follow along with all sorts of DIY projects together. Think cooking new recipes with video guides, learning knitting or crochet stitches from online patterns, or building simple birdhouses with step-by-step instructions. The possibilities are endless for interactive fun, with something for everyone that can be found online.
Setting the Stage for Success: Family Guidelines
To truly harness positive tech use, clear boundaries are essential.
Create a Family Media Plan: Involve everyone in setting guidelines for screen time limits, tech-free zones (like meal times or bedrooms), and appropriate content. Write it down, post it, and don’t forget to lead by positive example by modeling your own healthy tech habits.
Prioritize Outdoor Play: Schedule daily outdoor adventures. Make them exciting – scavenger hunts, bike rides, park visits, or even just kicking a ball around the yard.
Encourage Alternative Hobbies: Support interests beyond screens, such as reading, crafts, sports, or music.
Co-View and Co-Play: Don't just hand over the device. Watch shows, play games, and explore apps with your children. This allows for discussion, monitoring, and shared experiences.
Device Bedtimes: Ensure screens are put away at least an hour before bedtime to promote better sleep.
This summer, let's reframe our relationship with technology. It's not just a distraction or a battleground between parents and their children, but a tool that, when used mindfully and positively, can enrich experiences, foster learning, and strengthen connections within families. Here's to a summer filled with a healthy balance of sun and screens!
Looking for consultation regarding your child or teen? Get started with Dr. Chrissy Raines below