Washington Heights students try digital detox with schools' 'Screen Break'

Thousands of students and educators in Upper Manhattan participate in a weeklong digital detox called “Screen Break.” The effort aims to reduce reliance on screens by encouraging 38 elementary and middle schools in Manhattan’s School District 6 to avoid computers in classrooms as much as possible and expand recess when possible. Screen-free after-school events include a book fest, an arts-focused “sketch out,” and a community-wide playdate. Students report mixed experiences: some enjoy more board games and outdoor snacks, while others note that technology can be helpful for research. Concerns also include uncontrolled screen time and distractions such as video games.

"“We all have seen it, the omnipresence of devices and screens in everybody's life,” said P.S. 187 parent Olympia Kazi. “And we can totally change it.” Kazi came up with the idea for the weeklong effort, dubbed “Screen Break,” which was embraced by the superintendent of Manhattan's School District 6 in Washington Heights and Inwood."

"Together, they encouraged the district's 38 elementary and middle schools to avoid computers in the classroom as much as possible, and expand recess when they can. Supporters also organized a series of screen-free after-school events, including a book fest, an artsy “sketch out” and a community-wide playdate."

"Nestor Ireland, 8, a third grader at PS 187, said he was enjoying more screen-free activities. Usually, there is “a lot a lot a lot” of screentime in schools, he said. He said technology is sometimes useful. “The other day, the computer gave us information on something we were researching, and it really helped us,” he said."

"But it can get out of control, he added. He said his class recently had a substitute teacher with a laissez-faire approach to screens, and a classmate started playing the video game “Fortnite.” “So that was really bad,” he said. Liam Yamana, 7, who attends P.S. 178, said he was also enjoying the break."

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