Summer Break should be renamed "Screen Break."
It's estimated that kids these days spend over seven hours a day with some form of technology. With the advent of smart devices keeping us more connected than ever to the world around us, we are also more disconnected with those nearest to us.
With news reports of kids becoming addicted to Fortnite and social media causing a spike in depression in minors, this does not bode well for their future development. Because technology shows zero signs of stopping or slowing down, it may be time that parents begin to consider a digital detox for their kids. The Digital Age is a loud, in-your-face world that is great in small doses, but when immersed in it all day long, can be harmful and disparaging to a young psyche.
Summer camp is an ideal way to separate devices from the hands of youngsters. Being "off-the-grid" allows them to be more in touch with the world around them, build real relationships with their peers, learn valuable problem-solving skills, and gain an appreciation for nature.
It's also a way for kids to explore their uniqueness in an unfamiliar, judgment-free setting far away from those that know them. By fostering this independence, they receive a foundation that will make them more confident and secure within themselves.
Breaking away from devices can be difficult, especially once you've grown used to having them within arm's reach at all times. Millennials can recall a childhood without a smart device but today's kids will never know what it's like to not have a smartphone, tablet, or Wi-Fi access. It's time they experienced life without it, don't you think?
Childhood is short. Instilling a love for disconnected activities and face-to-face interactions are crucial to a foundation for a healthy social, emotional, and mental development. Many camps are still open for enrollment for Summer 2019, so consider this a chance get your son or daughter away from the screen and into the great outdoors.
