Screen-Free Week Celebrated Across the Globe

by | May 14, 2021 | screenfree, Uncategorized

A man helps a young boy with a craft project at a table.

From May 3-9, people around the world took the time to rethink their use of digital devices in favor of play, learning, and real connection. From single adults to whole schools, celebrations looked different. And the best thing is, they all count. Screen-Free Week is a no-judgement, do-what-you-can type of celebration!

This year, people sent in photos and wrote to us about what they did. Here are just some of folks’ favorite activities: 

    • Making popsicle stick towers
    • Building toothpick/marshmallow bridges. 
    • Playing Chess
    • Starting veggie seeds for a garden
    • Playing cards
    • Building an outhouse
    • Going to the post office
    • Picking dandelions
    • Playing basketball
  • Cleaning
  • Playing soccer
  • Playing Four square
  • Hiking across a frozen lake
  • Riding bikes
  • Spending more time with family
  • Horseback riding
  • Writing for an essay contest
  • Walking the dog
  • Screen-Free Bingo 
  • Coloring
  • Baking snacks
  • Visiting a new coffee shop in town
  • Picking flowers 
  • Playing games
  • Painting  with watercolor
  • Learning guitar
  • Playing Hide and seek
  • Doing puzzles
  • Going fishing
  • Talking and just hanging out
  • Camping
  • Knitting
  • Singing

What was the experience like?

Schools, clubs, families, and individuals celebrated, clocking in screen-free hours ranging from a few hours to a few days to the whole week! Some committed to continuing regular screen-free breaks, especially with the summer on its way in the northern hemisphere. Here’s what some people had to say:

“For me, Screen-Free Week meant doing without personal email and social media.  I used the extra time reading, writing (letters, parenting journal, planner), and realizing I was less frazzled and more patient spending time with my daughter.” -Lauren, MD

“We didn’t miss the screens because we were having so much fun outside!!” -Jacquelyn, MI

“By the end of the week, I was forgetting my phone at home and the kids were fighting less because there were no TV show choices or time to disagree on!” -Jeffrey, CA

“I thought I would have so much extra time at the end of the day, but we found so many other things to do. I don’t know how we ever made time for screens.” -Eileen, NY

One group of music students, with the help of their teacher, also recorded some songs for us in honor of Screen-Free Week. You can check them out on Instagram here.

And, take a look at some photos of people celebrating. Thanks to everyone who sent in photos!

Children enjoying a birthday party with cake and utensils on the table.
A toddler curiously touching pink flowers while standing on a sidewalk.
Two women standing on pavement with a dog near a white fence and green bushes.
Two children with three small dogs outside a building.
Iced cookies shaped like sheep and a heart with the number 12.
Two boys examining a small object closely at a table.
A woman in a pink dress walks a small dog along a shaded forest path.
A toddler painting with watercolors at a table.
A peaceful sandy beach under a bright sky with scattered clouds.
Chalk drawings of a smiling person and a butterfly on pavement.
A woman reads a story to children in a cozy classroom setting.
Abstract painting with blue and white brush strokes over a pink base.
Dark blue fabric with small white floral pattern.
Two children playing with a toy kitchen set indoors.
A colorful rainbow soap bar in a plastic container.
A man helps a young boy with a craft project at a table.
A family tree made from green handprints and a heartfelt Mother's Day message.

We’re thrilled to see all of the amazing experiences people had during Screen-Free Week. 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 2022, May 2-8!