Fun Kids' Activities Without Screens When It's Cold Outside

"Screen time is used to describe activities that involve devices with screens, including cellphones, televisions, and computers. With the advent of the internet in the 1980s and widespread use of electronic devices in our daily lives, the topic of screen time has entered the zeitgeist of child development research. The Pew Research Center found that internet usage by teenagers in the United States has increased since 2015, with now 96 percent of those polled reporting daily internet use."

"Although more than 17 states' schools have banned phone use in classrooms, screen time remains concerning, with 8 out of 10 teachers assigning an electronic device to students compared to 3 out of 10 teachers before the pandemic. Increased screen time at schools has created new problems, including reduced concentration and critical thinking, as children blindly trust information at face value."

Children increasingly use screens for play, communication, and learning, with 96 percent of teenagers reporting daily internet use and 81 percent of children under 13 owning a personal electronic device. Device access has grown in schools and homes, and online learning rose after the COVID-19 pandemic. Although over 17 states ban phones in classrooms, teachers assign electronic devices far more often than before, contributing to reduced concentration and critical thinking and greater acceptance of information at face value. Excessive or unhealthy screen engagement can impair sleep, self-esteem, and overall physical and mental health. Cold weather limits outdoor activities, making alternative non-screen activities important for strengthening relationships.

Read at Psychology Today