Get ready to put down your phones, tablets, remote controls and other devices for Screen-Free Week 2019. Nevada County Public Health invites you to join our schools, neighbors and community in celebrating national Screen-Free Week, April 29 – May 5.
Why Screen-Free Week? We know that kids (and their adults!) are spending too much time on screens. Preschool children spend between 2-5 hours a day using electronics. Including watching TV and looking at social media, older kids average seven hours a day. The average time adults spend on screens is eleven plus hours a day.
"No doubt, screen time can be fun and has its place in our world. However, overdoing it can take a toll on our health and well-being, especially children. For young children, it may negatively affect brain development, and it can increase children's risk for obesity later in life," said Public Health Department Director, Jill Blake.
Too much screen-time for teens can mean they are less likely to hang out with friends. They are also more likely to feel lonely or depressed. For people of all ages, screen-time can make it harder to fall asleep. It also takes time away from walking, cooking, family time and day dreaming.
So take the week of April 29 – May 5 to unplug. Spend the week reading, daydreaming, playing, hiking and creating. You can find a pledge card and a list of local Screen-Free activities at www.mynevadacounty.com/2474/Screen-Free. Or, for more information, contact Lynne Lacroix at lynne.lacroix@co.nevada.ca.us.
