Ms. Zalewski’s Class Shares What Screen-Free Week Means for Them

Ms. Zalewski’s Class Shares What Screen-Free Week Means for Them

by | May 31, 2022 | Uncategorized

Ms. Zalewski’s class celebrated Screen-Free Week in New York this year! All 43 students decreased their screen time dramatically, with 21 going completely screen-free. Amazing job, everyone!

At the beginning of the week. Ms. Zalewski spoke to her students about the dangers of too much time on screens; together, they brainstormed things to do instead of watching television and playing video games. During the week, the students baked, played outside, rode bikes, helped their parents, spent time with pets, drew, practiced instruments, played board games, cleaned, built forts, made cards for people in hospitals, communicated, and connected.

At the end of the week, her students reflect on what the week meant for them. Check out their brilliant responses below:

“This week taught me that my life isn’t my phone.”

“I felt like the days were longer and happier.”

“This week has taught me discipline and finding my own joy with things other than a screen in my face.”

“I felt more free…sometimes videos (and other things) might make people upset, mad, or even jealous, but when you don’t see the negative things, it makes you feel good.”

“In the beginning, I didn’t think I was going to be able to avoid screens, but now, I believe you can do anything if you put your mind into it.”

“This week taught me that electronics aren’t like oxygen, you don’t need them!”

“I think you should do this with your class next year because it shows who you really are inside.”

“This week taught me that you can find out a lot of things you are capable of doing if you are not glued to a screen!”

“I did a lot more, and I found out things I didn’t know I was capable of doing.”

Ms. Zalewski’s classs obviously made the most of Screen-Free Week 2022! A huge thank you to everyone who participated, whether for the whole week or just one day. As always, if you have screen-free stories, photos, or artwork, we’d love to hear from you and share your story!

In the Screen-Time Ring: Middle Schoolers Talk About Social Media, Screens, and Growing Up Today

In the Screen-Time Ring: Middle Schoolers Talk About Social Media, Screens, and Growing Up Today

by | May 24, 2022 | Uncategorized

Sometimes hilarious, sometimes heartbreakingly sad, over 100 kids in the “screen time ring” told us what it’s like to grow up in a tech-obsessed world…and what they want adults to know. Here, middle schoolers in a public school in Indiana answered questions about their own tech habits and views on screen time. So often, children are blamed for their tendencies towards tech use–in reality, they should be at the heart of the discussion. 

While many did not see a problem with screens and social media, a majority of respondents expressed an understanding that things are not as they should be. Shockingly, it was not uncommon for them to spend 14, 15, 16, and even 17 HOURS A DAY on entertainment screens–as in, screen time unrelated to work or school. That means they’re not sleeping, not spending time with friends, not playing sports, and not making art or music. When totaled, the average daily screen time for these 12 and 13 year old respondents was 6.2 hours outside of school–excluding weekends and the ed-tech in their classrooms, which dramatically increases the count.

Perhaps surprising to some, even the kids who reported exorbitant amounts of screen time and did not see a problem with social media expressed a concern for children younger than themselves. This is reflected in answers like “heck no” and “NOOOOOOO” when asked “Do you think there should be an Instagram for kids under 13?” It was endearing to observe such empathy, humor, and understanding in kids going through some of the toughest years of growing up. 

But don’t take it from me–check out their discussion on social media, screen time, and how we can help below.

Can you imagine a life without screens? What would that look like?

“I can imagine life without screens. I think the world would be less toxic and hateful.” –Abby

“Like how it was in the 70-90’s, just all vibes and chills.”–Ramiro

“Boring, sad and hell.”  –Anonymous

“I think life without screens would be nice, the world would be less judgy and people would interact with each other more. You wouldn’t have to be worrying about what people are saying about you.” –Owen

“I would get more sleep.” –Blake

“I honestly can’t imagine a life without screens. It’d be impossible to communicate with friends who don’t live nearby, and for the people who are afraid to talk to people in person without getting nervous, it’d be really hard for them. As one of those people, I know from experience that it’s upsetting to talk to people in person when you aren’t a very social person.” –Alexandra

“Yes, I can imagine a life without screens. I would be able to read more, draw more, and hang out with my family more.”  –Kiara

“I really can, it would be great.” –Sarah

What are the worst things about social media?

“People posting things about how bodies should look or how girls should look because it makes me insecure about some things.” -Ashlyn

“A 2 year old with a tablet.” –Connor

“The worst thing about social media is that I am in my room a lot and not with my family.” –Katie

“The fake friends, ‘friending’ a person online but never seeing their actual face.” –Nathanael

“The worst thing about social media is when people can’t ever have their own opinions without someone hating or shutting them down.” –Sarah

“The worst thing about social media to me is how much it has lowered my confidence. I end up finding myself comparing myself to other people a lot. “ –Daelynn

“The encouragement of doing awful things to others/yourself.”  –Lillian

“How easy it is for people to find you.” –Amanda

“The amount that people talk about other people is crazy. That’s all that some people do as soon as they get out of school, they hate on other people” –Ramiro

“The cruelness of some people is the WORST thing about social media. Another thing is comparing yourself to models (that are FAKE). It just brings everyone down.” -Reese

What are the best things about social media?

“The best thing about social media is that some people can actually be very nice on social media. Some people are supportive, kind, etc., which can make people extremely happy. Another really good thing about social media is that whenever friends are texting each other, it puts both or all of the friends in a good mood.” –Alexandra

“The best thing about social media is seeing pictures and videos of the different places people go and the different ways they live their lives.”–Averie

“I like being able to post about fun things that I do.” –Darbi

“The best thing to me in social media is getting to see things like new craft ideas, or seeing how much someone loves their pet, or seeing new experiences, or when you feel down and someone makes you feel better.” –Markie

How can adults help YOU find more balance with screens?

“They can get off theirs too.” –Ashlyn

“They can remind us of the way things were, and how things can be now.” –Isabella

“I think that they can help us find balance by limiting screen time to hang out and do stuff together, and getting us to hang out with friends and be more social.” –Alexandra

“There’s not much they can do, maybe just if my parents paid more attention and talked with me more. Most of the time they are focused on my younger siblings, so there’s not much I have to do.  –Daelynn

“Hang out with me more and spend time with me.” –Kirsten

How does social media impact your friendships?

“It takes me away from my friendships and socializing.” –Reese

“Social media impacts my friendships because my friends have other online friends and don’t spend much time with me. Also at sleepovers my friends never want to get off their phones to watch movies or do things I wanna do…she would even take it outside on the trampoline, like she’s THAT addicted to it… I can’t say I am not bad but I am not THAT bad.” –Olivia

“I feel that it has helped my friendships in a lot of ways. Like my best friend moved to Texas and we still talk all the time.” –Emma

“I’m not allowed social media, but I think a lack of social media can affect friendships. I don’t get references to modern popular culture, and I’m unable to talk to my friends out of school, while they get to talk to each other. It intentionally excludes me.” –Kamryn

“Social media impacts friendships because of the things people post. Sometimes it can bring people closer together because they enjoy the same content or post good things about each other, but it can negatively affect friendships because people could get into fights about what people say about each other.” –Isabella

What do you wish adults knew about social media/ screen time? What would you tell them?

“I wish that they knew how much it has impacted us. I would tell them how much it has done to us.” –Bruce

“I think that adults should know the dangers of being on the internet. I would tell them to check every once in a while on what their kids are watching or looking at.” –Gregory

“I wouldn’t tell adults anything except that they are on their devices a lot more than us kids and that they should have screen time limits too.”  –Sophia

“I wish adults knew the amount of hate, gore, inappropriateness and just disgusting acts on the internet.” –Jakob

“I wish they could realize that a lot of the time it’s a way to escape reality.” –Emma

“I wouldn’t tell adults anything because I don’t want them taking social media away from me.” –Mariah

“That adults should NOT let <13 kids be on social media, with many saying that you need to be over 13; if kids under 13 are using social media, it could be a hazard to them.” –Gage

“I wish they knew that sometimes when you’re struggling it’s a big help getting to talk to people that way.” –Kailey

“I wish that adults knew how it affects people’s confidence and self image problems.” –Emma

“I wish adults knew that being on a phone isn’t always a bad thing and doesn’t mean you’re lazy.” –Abby

“I would tell them that kids don’t need to have phones and/or social media at a young age, INTERACT WITH YOUR KIDS!” –Owen

What would you like to change about the way you use screens?

“I think the way I should change my screen time is to come off of them more and then work more on myself.” –Shelby

“How much I’m addicted like my mom.” –Connor

“I would like to change how much time I spend on using screens because I spent WAYYY to much time on it this past weekend. I am not gonna say how much because it’s awful.” –Olivia

“I would like to change how it might change your style to be like everyone else.” –Camryn

“NO YOUTUBE ADS FOR KIDS!” –Isaac

“I would like to change the way that I am ALWAYS on my electronics. I wish I was more active.” –Gregory

“I wish that we didn’t use screens as much and that we could just be together in person and enjoy the special moments in life.” –Leah

“The thing I would like to change about using screens is the content that little kids are seeing.” –Karmen

“I would like to change the fact that younger kids spend so much time on it now that they’re missing out on so many fun activities that are a part of mine, and others’ childhood.”  –Mya

“I want to change the fact that I doom-scroll a lot. Doom-scrolling is looking at a lot of negativity on the internet and bad events in the world, and is very unhealthy.” –Madison

What is the hardest part of unplugging?

“The hardest part of unplugging is being afraid I am going to miss something. For example, I am worried that I will miss a text message about a change in my sports schedule, or an update from my school/ team.” –Averie

“I think the hardest part of getting off social media is feeling the need to keep watching like it’s pulling you in.” –Ashlyn

“That i have no one to play outside with because people are on screens and i don’t go outside as much because of that”. –Hunter

“The hardest part of unplugging is feeling like you’re missing out on something, like if I can’t check my phone I just wonder what people are posting or who’s texting me or snapping me or if someone has liked one of my posts.” –Makenna

“The hardest part of unplugging is losing your streaks on snapchat or the spam app.” –Katie

“When it’s stuck inside the outlet.” –Connor

 

Another Fabulous Screen-Free Week: More Friends, Family, and Fun in 2022

Another Fabulous Screen-Free Week: More Friends, Family, and Fun in 2022

by | May 15, 2022 | screenfree, Uncategorized

We were so excited to hear about your amazing experiences during Screen-Free Week 2022! From Nicaragua to Scotland to San Diego, tens of thousands of people relished in the “joy of missing out” from May 2 – 8. After the pandemic and resulting increases in screen time, it was so important to be gentle with ourselves this year. Perfection is NOT the point, and it’s clear that participants made the most of their screen-free time.

Want to keep screen breaks a regular part of your life? Check out our Screen-Free Saturdays resources! And save the date for Screen-Free Week 2023, May 3-9!

What did celebrations look like this year?

The best part of Screen-Free Week is the diversity and variation of celebrations. Some families spent the week on the beach, at the library, or in their own backyards. Often, schools and communities spearhead the celebration; in fact, one Wisconsin community hosted over 15 Screen-Free Week events this year! Below, check out these inspiring stories and photos from participants:

“We left behind our screens and had an unforgettable family adventure, camping at a national seashore for 5 days. Our girls saw tons of wildlife including armadillos, crabs, wild horses, manatees, a shark, and crabs. They spent long, unstructured days beachcombing, exploring ruins, playing in the waves, building sandcastles, climbing trees and making boats out of fallen leaves and bark. We reconnected with cousins and grandparents around the campfire. We laughed together when my sister caught a minnow between her toes, commiserated over mosquito bites, and gazed in wonder at a nest a bird had built in an open backpack pocket which had been undisturbed for 3 days—complete with a freshly laid egg! We didn’t miss the screens. Instead of living vicariously, watching adventures on a screen, we lived one!” –Emily, UT

“When I first mentioned Screen-Free Week to our students, they were asking all sorts of questions.. “How can we do this? What, no computer?, No technology? No iPads?” and on an on…Fast forward to the last day of the week: “Hey, Mrs. Baughman, can we do this again next week?” I’d say this Screen-Free Week made a lasting impact on our students. I plan to participate next year as well!” –Star, NC

“Our elementary school planned a screen free activity for each day of the week. The first day was an at home scavenger hunt, the 2nd day was a STEM night at the school, where we did 4 low tech STEM activities. The 3rd night we did a rock painting and sidewalk chalk night with out art teacher at the school to add rocks to our rock garden. The 4th night we held a pajama storybook night at the school, where teachers read to students throughout the school while in. their pajamas. The last night was an ice cream party at a local ice cream shop. We had over 100 students participate every night and 20 teachers help throughout the week.” -Bonne, NJ

“One thing we did without any stress was having meals together without staring at electronics. We will keep the rule and continue having meals together without screens. This was a great experience and we will try to limit screen time in the future.”–Sandra, MD

We’re thrilled to see all of the amazing experiences people had during Screen-Free Week. Take a look at the many ways people celebrated (plus more pictures) below. Thanks to everyone for participating and sharing your stories!

    • Making baby quilts
    • Taking Grammie out to lunch
    • Attending a church bonfire
    • Playing with legos
    • Reading, reading, reading!
    • Practicing the flute
    • Roasting hot dogs over the fire
    • Celebrating Mother’s Day
    • Swimming in creeks and lakes
    • Pajama storybook night
    • Building forts
    • Designing fairy houses
    • Playing with dolls
    • Horseback riding
    • Drawing/making art
    • Flag football!
    • Going to the zoo
    • Rock painting
    • Scavenger hunts
    • Hiking by candlelight
  • Playing with puppies
  • Spending time with friends
  • Attending an art show
  • Looking through a telescope
  • Barbecue and ice cream!
  • Racing through obstacle courses
  • Planting flowers
  • Celebrating Cinco de Mayo
  • Dancing in the park
  • Visiting museums

Screen-Free Week in the Classroom

Screen-Free Week in the Classroom

by | May 4, 2022 | Uncategorized

Teachers are sometimes the first people to notice screen addictions in our kids, and we often get questions from schools about what Screen-Free Week looks like in a classroom setting. Luckily, it can be celebrated in so many different ways! Here, Indiana teacher Justin Croy discusses how his own class goes screen-free every year.

I spent days thinking of ways I could help teachers prepare for Screen-Free Week, compiling reasons why they should celebrate in their classrooms – until I realized that if you’re reading this blog, there is a good chance that you already know why it’s important. Instead, I decided to share how my middle schoolers celebrate Screen-Free Week in my Digital Citizenship class, as well as provide some hands-on activities that anyone can implement –in and outside the classroom.

At the beginning of each school year every student wants to know, “What is Digital Citizenship?” My response is usually short: “it’s how to act online.” At first, even with the obvious relevance of this theme, I struggled for a while to figure out how Screen-Free Week would fit in my curriculum. When I first approached my administrators about celebrating, the idea was met with awkward looks, followed by the daunting question, “How does spending 5 to 7 class days without technology relate to, well, technology?”

After tossing the idea around for a while, I found the perfect fit for Screen-Free Week in my Digital Citizenship curriculum: one of the nine elements of Digital Citizenship is “Digital Balance.” Digital Balance is the way students balance their time on screen with physical and mental activities that do not involve screens. Although only spending 1 out of 36 weeks without screens doesn’t necessarily seem balanced, it is a step in the right direction. Screen-Free Week provides the perfect opportunity to teach students about the importance of setting their technology aside and finding other ways to engage their mind and body. It’s a real “stop and smell the roses” approach to technology.  

Implementing Screen-Free Week is a process, and it requires some planning ahead. I spend weeks mentally preparing for the week, mulling over what we will do and how we will do it. What will modern students find fun? What if it rains? What if we have to go back to virtual or synchronous learning? Mentally preparing seems to be half the battle.

However, the most important part of planning is to create or discover 3 to 4 activities for your students to do in the classroom during the week. I usually opt for STEM activities, but a simple online search can help find activities that you can do in your classroom. Below is a sample itinerary for the week that has worked well for my students:

TIPS – I instruct all students to leave technology in their locker during my class for the week. I will give them extra time to get to class and I will send them back to their locker if they bring it with them. It’s a simple trick to refocus attention away from handheld devices.

MONDAY – Resource Day

    1. Explain what Screen-Free Week is to students and why it is important. 
    2. Have students fill out a Screen-Free Week pledge card.
    3. Pass out the Write Your Screen-Free Plan handout. (I instruct students to think about what they can do to go screen-free. I suggest they complete this by finding other activities rather than being on their device. Examples include “Not be on my device on the bus”).
    4. Finally, distribute the I Go Screen-Free Because handout. I have students use colored pencils to draw a photo and write why they go screen-free. I instruct them to take their time. I then take the handouts and hang them outside the classroom door. 

TUESDAY – POPSICLE STICK TOWERS (STEM Activity)

(See Lesson Plan Below)

WEDNESDAY – Toothpick Bridge Challenge (STEM Activity)

(See Lesson Plan Below)

THURSDAY – Student Day

On Thursday, I allow students to come up with their own ideas for what to do. I inform them that if the weather is nice, we will go outside and enjoy the outdoors together. When outside, some students play tag, while others clean up the trash around the school or take laps around the track. If the weather is not cooperating on that day, we remain inside and students have the opportunity to either play a class game or do individual group activities, such as board or card games. There are only two rules: no doing homework (students must be communicating with each other) and, of course, no sleeping. 

FRIDAY – Review Screen-Free Week

On Friday, we review what we did, how it helped them, and what they learned by going screen-free for that week. I allow each student to share what they experienced; as a conversation starter, I ask the students these questions:

    1. What did you learn by celebrating Screen-Free Week?
    2. What did you like most about Screen-Free Week?
    3. Did you celebrate Screen-Free Week at home?

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

POPSICLE STICK TOWER STEM ACTIVITY

Students will use popsicle sticks and glue to build a tall structure

Time: (45 Min)

       Explaining/passing out materials (10 Min)

       Students building towers (25 Min)

       Measure bridges (5 Min)

       Clean up (5 Min)

USING GLUE STICKS

What you will need:

       1 – red solo cup for base

       100 –  popsicle sticks per group 

       1 – large rubber band

       1 – yardstick for measuring 

Instructor prep:

  •  Flip the cup upside down and put the rubber band around the cup. 
  • Take 4 popsicle sticks and insert them equidistant around the cup. This will act as a base. 
  • Give the group the rest of the popsicle sticks and have them begin. They have 25 minutes to build the highest tower they can. 
  • Take a yard stick and measure the height of each tower. 
  • The group with the highest tower wins!

    USING HOT GLUE GUNS

    What you will need

           100 –  popsicle sticks per group 

           2 – hot glue guns per group 

           4 – hot glue sticks

           1 – yardstick for measuring 

    Instructor Prep

    • Divide students into groups of 3 or 4. 
    • Give the students the glue guns and 100 popsicle sticks and have them begin. They have 25 minutes to build the highest tower they can. 
    • Take a yard stick and measure the height of each tower. 
    • The group with the highest tower wins!

      —————————————————————————————————————————————-

      TOOTHPICK BRIDGE CHALLENGE – STEM ACTIVITY

      Students will use toothpicks and marshmallows to build the strongest bridge they can. 

      Time: (50 Min)

             Explaining/passing out materials (10 Min)

             Students building bridges (25 Min)

             Testing bridges (10 Min)

             Clean up (5 Min)

      What you will need:

             1 – bag of small (mini) marshmallows (will cover 2-3 groups)

             100 –  toothpicks 

             1 – ruler per group 

      Instructions:

      Divide students into groups of 3 or 4.

      Give each group 100 toothpicks and a cup of small marshmallows. 

      Tell students that bridges must be at least 12 inches long. Use a ruler to measure.

      Students have 25 minutes to build a bridge. Inform the students that their bridge will have to hold when suspended between two desks. 

      Move two school desks (or other structures of equal height) 8 inches apart. Have students move their bridge and lay each end equally between the two desks. If the bridge holds, add a pencil on top of the bridge. The bridge that can hold the most weight for the longest amount of time wins. 

      Instructor Prep

      • Flip a ½ – full cup of mini marshmallows and give them to each class.
      • Give each group 1 box of 100 toothpicks.
      • Give them 1 ruler to measure the length of their bridge.
      • Winner is determined by how long the bridge stays suspended across the desks, if time becomes an issue add some type of weight (coins or pencils, etc.) across the bridge. 


      Mr. Justin Croy is Business & Technology Educator at Culver Community Middle/High School in Indiana. Since becoming a teacher in 2018, Mr. Croy has taught Interactive Media, Business, Communications, Radio & TV, Entrepreneurship and Broadcasting, and Digital Citizenship. He also coaches football & basketball at CCMHS. Mr. Croy is a lifelong resident of Culver, living there with his wife Hanna and daughter Elleighana. 

      Screen-Free Week Book List winners read from their books!

      Screen-Free Week Book List winners read from their books!

      by | Apr 23, 2022 | screenfree, Uncategorized

      For Screen-Free Week 2022, in partnership with Children’s Book Week, we invited the authors from our Screen-Free Week Booklist to send in videos of them reading their books. The Manic Panic by Richa Jha and Mithila Ananth is one of our favorite new books on the list; below, author Richa Jha reads from their amazing tale.

      More about The Manic Panic: Some grown-ups have so much screen time that they just can’t cope when the wifi goes out. Luckily the grown-ups in The Manic Panic live with a smart kid who loves to read and an adventurous grandma who knows how to have fun without the internet. The Manic Panic is a wry look at the value of unplugged family time, even when someone is resistant to the real world. (AGES 5-11)

      Next, Roopa Raveendran-Menon, the author of Chandu and the Super Set of Parents, reads from Chapter 1 of her wonderful new book. Chandu and the Super Set of Parents is a heartwarming examination of the meaning of family.

      More about Chandu and the Super Set of Parents: When Chandu’s strict parents threaten to ship him off to boarding school, Chandu wonders what it would be like to have different parents and comes across a curious storefront: The Exchange Your Parents Shop. Chandu has the opportunity to become the child of math geniuses, movie superstars, or sports icons. Including themes surrounding screen use, this is a fantastical tale set against a rich tapestry of Indian food, culture, and customs. (AGES 7-12)

      Finally, author Adam Ciccio and baby June read Go Out and Play, an adorable children’s picture book about putting down the screens to play outside, illustrated by Katrien Benaets! This book is an awesome addition to our 2022 Screen-Free Week Book List!

      More about Go Out and Play: The clouds are gone and the sun is out. It’s time to put the phones away and enjoy the sunshine before the sun goes down. There are so many things to explore outside. Play soccer, skateboard, or find new bugs! What will you do with your time outside? (AGES 0-11)