Digital Detox: How to Limit Screen Time for Kids

Think back to your childhood. You probably spent a lot of time outdoors, enjoyed trips to the library, playing with your friends, and making memories that didn’t revolve around a screen. Today’s kids don’t know a world before the internet, and many of them are even developing technology dependencies before they’re 3 years old. Digital detox activities for kids are one of the best things you can do as a parent, and it’s a great chance to reevaluate the role tech plays in your kids’ lives. 

Although digital devices are immensely helpful, they can also hinder development. It’s important for children to have a firm grasp of reality and understand that the digital world may be limitless, but the real world is where life truly happens. A digital detox retreat is not only helpful for kids but for adults too!

Why Kids Need a Digital Detox

There are many reasons why kids can benefit from a break from electronics, including:
● Fewer behavioral issues
● Improved development
● Less eye strain
● Improved posture
● More physical activity
● Better sleep
● More social engagement

How do I know if my child has a screen addiction?

The signs of a digital addiction look very similar to any other addiction. You might notice that your child is withdrawn, and isn’t spending as much time doing things they used to love. They might be irritable, or cross if you take their devices away. Schoolwork suffering and a lack of interest in their friendships are also signs of concern. Here are some commonly accepted symptoms of screen addiction to be wary of with your children:

Their screen becomes an emotional crutch

If you notice that your child is over-reliant on their device to keep their mood positive, it could signal an over-dependence on it.

A lack of interest in hobbies they once loved.

If their tablet is the number one thing they ask to play with all the time, it could be time to take some time-out.

Sneaky behavior

Lying about the amount of time they’re spending on their device, or sneaking around to try and gain more access to it, is a tell-tale sign that things aren’t as balanced as they could be.

Aggressive outbursts

When you take their tablet or device away and you feel their reaction isn’t justified – or they turn aggressive, rude or mad, this is another tell-tale sign.

Increased tolerance

Did your child used to get bored after 30 minutes of YouTube, but now needs more and more time watching? An increase in tolerance and time spent engrossed in a device is another warning sign.

How long does it take kids to detox from screens?

Brace yourselves. To complete a full digital detox, Dr Kardaras recommends your child doesn’t use their screen for 4-6 weeks. For a lot of parents, this might seem an impossible task. How do you instigate a detox that goes from 100 to zero overnight? 
The answer is, you don’t – going cold-turkey isn’t advised. To suddenly stop all screen access could result in withdrawal behaviours that are tough on your kids and can cause a lot of disruption to family life. Most experts recommend that you gradually decrease the amount of time your child is spending on their device by an hour a day and work up to a longer period of time without the screen. 

How to give a digital detox a try in your home?

Turn off notifications. Do not underestimate the addictive draw that those pings and prompts have. If in doubt, turn it off. You’ll notice that without the constant call to it, you’ll use your phone less often.

Remove addictive apps. If TikTok is your child’s biggest social draw, or if gaming is what they prefer to spend their time doing, remove the apps from the devices to get rid of any unwanted temptation while you’re going through the reset. OR try only allowing access via the browser – making the experience less intuitive and not as easy.

Set a goal with your spare time. In the hours that a detox gives you, can you get your child to commit to learning a new skill or give them access to a hobby they’ve always wanted to try?

Ditch the device completely. Try days out in areas that you know there will be no WiFi or data access to make scrolling and surfing an impossibility. 

Reward the kids. If they proactively contribute to the detox, sticker charts, collecting points and other incentives can be good tactics with younger children. If they put their phone or tablet in a locked place for the day, they get a treat or money towards something they’re saving for. 

Other recommendations to digital detox!

Nature & Outdoor Activities

1 | Camping | Head out for an adventure at Yercaud and stay in beautiful resorts! Or head out to one of the many rivers and beaches in Tamil Nadu to introduce your kids to life in touch with nature.

2 | Nature Walks | Get outdoors and explore the world around you! Take a family trip to a national park, and venture through local trails, forests, or other locations. Nature walks are also a fantastic way to teach kids about the planet, ecosystem, and local wildlife.

3 | Bike Rides | Take a ride through the neighborhood or bring your bikes to a nearby nature spot and explore. Just make sure always to follow trail rules and never ride without a helmet! Also, be mindful when riding on uneven terrain. It can be more challenging for kids, so be sure to choose trails that are family-friendly.

4 | Stargazing | Telescopes are a miraculous invention that so many children never personally encountered. Learn about constellations together and have fun discovering the wonders of the night sky.

Arts & Crafts

5 | DIY Craft Projects | There are so many ways to turn trash into treasure! Look up DIY crafts for kids that will help you turn recyclables into works of art.

 6 | Painting or Drawing | Creativity helps kids in so many ways. From better mental health and emotional development to motor skill development, there’s always a good reason to encourage artistic expression.

7 | Photography | Teach kids how to take pictures on a traditional camera, or even a disposable one!

8 | Music | Music is healing for all ages, and it’s a universal language that we all love. From babies to teens, music can be a great digital detox activity that encourages self-expression. Whether it’s drums, guitar, piano, or a classical instrument, music is one of the best screen-free hobbies for kids.

Activities &Sports

9 | Team Sports | Signing up for a sports team will give your child something to look forward to. They’ll need to practice each week as they form new friendships, build self-confidence, and develop teamwork skills.

10 | Dance | Nothing beats busting a move! They can join a class or just have designated dance time at home to boogie down. Family dance parties might just become your new favorite thing.

11 | Yoga | Even kids can benefit from the calming effects of yoga. Learning to focus on different parts of their body and breathing can soothe their minds and lead to fewer tantrums and behavioral issues.

12 | Martial Arts | Whether it’s karate or taekwondo, martial arts are a great way for kids to develop self-esteem and discipline while getting a good workout.

Board Games and Puzzles

13 | Traditional Board Games | Games like Monopoly, Uno, and Scrabble are great for kids’ brains, but they also offer hours of entertainment and quality time on family night! These classics also show kids they don’t need a video game to have fun.

14 | Jigsaw Puzzles | Puzzles are a fun pastime that allows for family collaboration and problem-solving skills. Have fun putting the pictures together, then picking out your next project. Make some tasty snacks and spend an afternoon or evening making a special image together.

15 | Card Games | Got any kings? Go fish! Playing card games together is a fun way to engage kids without using a screen.

Reading & Writing

16 | Library Visits | Take kids on an adventure to the local library. They’ll have a blast picking out their books, and then spending hours reading through them at home. You can also teach them a bit about how library books are organized, how libraries work, and how to learn things without a computer.

17 | Story Writing | Nothing beats creating your own adventure. Let your little ones wow you with their own stories, which they can also illustrate! You can also try a family roundtable story where each person writes a portion of the story, and the next person adds to it.

18 | Book Clubs | Kid book clubs encourage reading and social interaction. Children listen to stories or read one and then discuss it with their peers.

 19 | Journaling | Even for children, journaling is a good way to help children develop emotional awareness and self-esteem. They can also get creative and have fun expressing their thoughts, feelings, and dreams in their own notebook.

Cooking & Baking

20 | Simple Recipes | Teach kids cooking basics with simple recipes like grilled cheese, salads, and basic desserts. Spending time in the kitchen helps them learn measurements, science, and nutrition all in one!

21 | Theme Nights | Have a blast cooking different types of food throughout the week. You might have Indian Mondays, Sushi Night, or Taco Tuesdays!

22 | Baking Days | What kid doesn’t love sweets? And let’s be honest, we do, too. On baking days, learn a new recipe together that will help you and the kids craft a sweet treat, whether it’s a cake, cookies, or breakfast muffins.

Workshops and Clubs

23 | Local Workshops | Sign up for pottery lessons or look for kids’ workshops that include science experiments or theater plays.

24 | Clubs | Clubs are a good way for kids to expand their social circles and learn new skills.
Volunteering and Community Service

25 | Local Community Centers | Help kids build empathy and understanding for others by performing cleanups, packing care packages, or helping the elderly.

26 | Animal Shelters | Spend time taking care of pets in need at an animal shelter. Not only will they learn responsibility, but kids will also enjoy getting to spend time with adorable dogs, cats, and small animals.

DIY Science Experiments

27 | Kitchen Science | Teach your kids fundamental science using household items like flour, yeast, and baking soda.

28 | Gardening Experiments | Learn about plants and photosynthesis by planting your own garden and discovering how different plants grow in different seasons.

Mindfulness and Meditation

29 | Kid-Friendly Meditation | Help your child learn the basics of meditation with a kid-friendly guided meditation. Breathwork and grounding are emotional regulation techniques that can make your child feel more balanced and reduce stress, anxiety, and frustration.

30 | Deep-Breathing Exercises | These are good ways to teach kids how to self-soothe. It can be valuable when they’re learning how to deal with the discomfort of eliminating unhealthy habits from their lives.

31 | Mindfulness Walks | Go on a walk together and observe the world around you without any distractions. Stop and appreciate the trees, flowers, and sounds in the neighborhood or at a park.