As an educator and the owner operator of Street SUP Adelaide, I have noticed screen time addiction on the rise.
It has its place and I am not knocking it, but the addiction is real.
During the many clinics I’ve run through the school holidays, I can honestly say that the kids who have limited screen time at OSHC have a higher rate of participation. When children have the option to go back on a computer, iPad or gaming, they’ll often have a short go, give up and go back to their screens which is something they always have access to.
I love to leave my phone at home and get away and out of range. I am fortunate to have grown up without screen time (except for commercial television) and love getting outdoors and into nature. It’s sad that this needs to be encouraged or a special occasion these days, but it is still as important.
So put down the screens, have dinner together, look in to each other’s eyes, go ride a bike, go camping, play board games. Actually enjoy BEing with your friends and family, one day they’ll be gone. Nothing is permanent.
You are only a spectator in the world of social media, but you’re a player and participant in life, so get on with it!
Have fun!
And learn to ride a board someday, there’s plenty to choose from!