Television, computers and mobile devices are great tools for child entertainment and education, but Screen-Free Week aims to bring awareness to the fact that the same can be said for nature and low-tech activities.
As an annual event that's held in May, families, schools and entire communities are invited to unplug in order to get more active and spend more time interacting face-to-face with others. Anyone can join the week-long challenge, and the process is made easy through Screen-Free Week with a free-to-download Organizer's Kit.
Although digital entertainment and education certainly has its benefits in moderation, studies have shown that excessive screen time leads to poor performance in school, child obesity and attention problems. As such, this year's event was endorsed by a number of schools, health associations, toy retailers, hospitals and parenting programs.
Anti-Technology Challenges
May's Screen-Free Week Finds Alternatives to Digital Entertainment
Trend Themes
1. Screen-free Week - Opportunity for businesses to market low-tech entertainment and education options for children and families during Screen-Free Week.
2. Nature-based Activities - Potential for businesses in the outdoor and recreation industries to offer activities that promote nature and screen-free entertainment.
3. Moderated Screen Time - Opportunity for businesses to develop and market products that help families moderate their children's screen time, such as apps or parental control devices.
Industry Implications
1. Outdoor Recreation - Outdoor recreation companies can take advantage of Screen-Free Week by offering activities and programs that promote nature and low-tech entertainment.
2. Toy Retail - Toy retailers can benefit from the shift towards screen-free entertainment by promoting educational and fun toys that do not require digital devices.
3. Tech and Parenting - Companies specializing in tech and parenting can create and market products that help parents manage and restrict their children's screen time.