Choose Socialization Over Screen Time This Summer

3/26/2021

By: Arianna Allen, CCA Alumna

Summer is quickly approaching! Learn how keeping your child(ren) physically active and mentally engaged this summer will not only make for a happy camper, but also minimize excessive screen time use, which can have detrimental effects on young, developing minds.

The countdown to summer has officially begun with great anticipation and readiness!

When I was little, summer break equated to soaking up the South Florida sun and recharging my batteries. However, as I got older, I would be more tempted to pick up my phone, begin scrolling through my social media feed, and start playing the “comparison game” with my downtime. The mindless scrolling and never-ending cycle of rotating between apps occurred more often the less structured my day was.

SURVEYS SAYS...

Common Sense Media reported that child(ren) children ages 8-12 spend almost five hours a day on a screen, and teens ages 13-18 average over seven hours a day. And when it comes to the little ones ages eight and under, they’re spending on average 2.25 hours a day in front of a screen, according to Dr. Jennifer F. Cross (2019), a Pediatric Behavior and Development expert. Given that these numbers are averages, they don’t reflect the spikes in screen time usage that are likely to be seen over the summer months when boredom is bound to strike.

excessive screen time can negatively impact brain development especially when it comes to language, observation, sleep, imagination, social interaction, and creativity.

In the article authored by Dr. Cross on Health Matters, NewYork-Presbyterian’s healthcare news site, she explains that excessive screen time can negatively impact brain development especially when it comes to language, observation, sleep, imagination, social interaction, and creativity. She also added that when a child spends time in front of the screen, it becomes challenging “to get them engaged in non-electronic activities” (2019, para. 4).

CHOOSE A SUMMER OF SOCIALIZATION

During this past year of social distancing and isolation, it has become clear that we are social beings who need social interactions. God wonderfully designed us to be surrounded by community and engage in human relationships.

Living in a digital world can be a necessity at times, however, finding a healthy balance is possible and can ultimately result in raising active, well-rounded, and engaged children who lead with empathy.

The mindless scrolling and never-ending cycle of rotating between apps occurred more often the less structured my day was.

This summer, you can give your child the opportunity to shine socially in a safe environment by registering him/her for Calvary Christian Academy’s Summer Camp in Fort Lauderdale! Below are the types of camps that will be offered to students ages 4-17 (each camp has different age requirements):

Day Camps
STEM Camps
Athletic Camps
Fine Arts Camps
Academic Camps

For more information and to register, visit CCASummer.org.

Arianna Allen, a CCA class of 2019 alumnus, currently attends the University of Florida College of Journalism to pursue her dream of becoming a sports broadcaster. Arianna has always had a deep passion for athletics and writing. In her free time, she enjoys painting, journaling, and making memories with her friends and family.

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