Step Away From The Phone… It’s Good For You!

A recent news report on CNN caught my eye earlier this week – More than a third of teens say they spend too much time on their phones, new study finds.  The article highlighted a recent report from the Pew Research Center regarding teen awareness of their smartphone usage and the realization that it may be too much.  That is something we have seen and heard from our campers for some time.  

It is not uncommon for a camper new to WeHaKee to grumble a bit when asked to turn in their cell phone upon arrival at camp.  We understand that they have come accustomed to having it in their hand or by their side nearly every moment of the day and night.  Giving it up for 2 weeks or more seems like a huge ask.  But more often than not, those very same campers share within days of their arrival that they unexpectedly experienced a sense of freedom by not having the phone accessible at every moment.  It helped them to live in the moment, and to experience real life without the continual ding alerting them to another message, post, like, or whatever announced on their phone.  It is not to say they won’t use their phone when it is returned at the end of their session, but they have discovered that stepping away from their phone is good for them.

Back to that Pew Research report – How Teens and Parents Approach Screen Time.  Here are some of the key findings they shared:

• Phone-less:  72% of U.S. teens say they oftern or sometimes feel peaceful when they don’t have their smartphone; 44% say it makes them anxious
• Good for hobbies, less so for socialization: 69% of teens say smartphones make it easier to pursue hobbies and interests; fewer say it helps peeople their age learn good social skills
• Smartphone standoffs; About four-in-ten parents and teens report regularly arguing with one another about time spent on the phone
• Distracted parenting: Nearly half of teens (46%) say their parent is at least sometimes distracted by their phone when they’re trying to talk to them

Based on that last point, it’s not just teens that need a smartphone break, us parents should heed that advice as well!  In general, let’s consider the following benefits of stepping away from the smartphone:

Stepping away from smartphones can offer several benefits for teenagers:

1. Improved Mental Health: Reduced smartphone use can lead to decreased stress, anxiety, and depression. Constant connectivity can be overwhelming for teens, and taking breaks can provide much-needed relief from the pressures of social media and constant notifications.

2. Better Sleep Quality: Excessive smartphone use, especially before bedtime, can disrupt sleep patterns. Stepping away from smartphones allows teens to establish healthier sleep habits, leading to improved overall sleep quality and better concentration during the day.

3. Increased Productivity: Spending less time on smartphones means fewer distractions, which can lead to increased productivity. Teens may find it easier to focus on schoolwork, hobbies, and other activities that require sustained attention.

4. Enhanced Social Connections: While smartphones offer opportunities for socialization, they can also hinder face-to-face interactions. Stepping away from smartphones encourages teens to engage in real-life conversations and develop deeper connections with friends and family.

5. Better Physical Health: Reduced screen time can lead to increased physical activity and decreased sedentary behavior. Encouraging teens to participate in outdoor activities, sports, or hobbies can contribute to their overall health and well-being.

6. Improved Cognitive Skills: Limiting smartphone use can help teens develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Instead of passively consuming content on their devices, they may engage in activities that stimulate their minds and foster intellectual growth.

7. Enhanced Self-awareness: Taking breaks from smartphones allows teens to reflect on their usage habits and how they affect their lives. It can help them become more mindful of their screen time and make intentional choices about when and how they use their devices.

8. Reduced Risk of Cyberbullying: Excessive use of smartphones can increase the risk of cyberbullying and exposure to harmful online content. Stepping away from smartphones, or at least limiting usage, can reduce the likelihood of encountering such negative experiences.

Camp WeHaKee offers a wonderful break from the distractible nature of our smartphones and our campers have know this for years.  Does your child or teen need some freedom from the phone?  Consider a 2-week session at WeHaKee as the perfect antidote!  There limited spots available in all of our sessions, but don’t wait too long.  They’re going fast.  Click HERE to get the process going or HERE to learn more.  Thanks for joining us today and have a great day!