This is the time of year that tends to be filled with gifts as the Holiday Season approaches. My family just celebrated my son’s birthday last week. He is fortunate to have all of his grandparents and even his great grandmother still in his life. This was his 9th birthday and I had the idea of encouraging him to pool all of his gifts ($) from our family so that he could get that one big gift, an iPad.
I have mixed feelings about this. He already was playing video games on a smaller tablet. My wanting him to get an iPad is for him to be empowered to create content, he has a YouTube Channel for several years and will occasionally create videos. With an iPad he can do much more than play video games.
And on the other hand, I don’t want him to become addicted to certain video games and my wife and I both have concerns about too much screen time.
I have read many articles and research related to kids and screen time and how this is one of the biggest issues for the younger generation. How much screen time is ok?
The concept of “unplugging” appeals to me, and there are times where I challenge myself to put my phone away in order to be more present and in the moment.
This concept of “unplugging” and being technology free, has become a huge plus in the summer camp world. One of the greatest benefits to children and teens attending summer camp is the opportunity to disconnect from technology. Fifteen years ago I did not see this coming, and now it is something that I support fully, the opportunity for not just kids, but for adults as well, to get off our phones and unplug.
Like summer camps, I too am experiencing in my work the benefits from being able to provide a service (group drumming) that allows people to connect, create community, and be together without using screens.
Drumming with others brings me to the root of my being. Drumming with others helps me to be present in the moment. When I lead a program, I love seeing the faces of kids. Their eyes are wide, they are focused, concentrating, connecting and having fun.
I myself struggle with this topic of screen time. However, I am optimistic and grateful that I am able to create opportunities to unplug and drum! Let’s create more opportunities together.
-Adam Issadore, Founder
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