Trail Life USA and BRAVE Books are helping children, and their families strike a balance between screen time and outdoor experiences, promoting healthier lifestyles and fostering a lifelong appreciation for nature and quality time connecting with others.
Parents, educators and youth organizations are encouraged to take advantage of this valuable resource to address the challenges of screen time and inspire a love for the great outdoors and connecting with others in the next generation.
Screen time continues to be a flashpoint in society. Studies have shown that excessive time spent on devices negatively impacts people physically, emotionally and mentally, disrupting healthy sleep patterns, darkening our mood and rewiring our minds.
The negative effects are even more pronounced in young people. A study revealed that the rise of social media and gaming correlates with a 16% bullying incidence rate among high schoolers, a 40% surge in depression over the past decade and nearly half of students attributing struggles with anxiety to social media.
In light of these sobering statistics, Trail Life USA and CEO Mark Hancock are encouraging families to make a powerful New Year’s resolution: trade time online for real-world adventure and connection.
Hancock said, “Devices are wonderful tools that are helpful for us, even in the outdoors. But we want to use them as a tool, rather than something that keeps us from going outdoors or from interacting with other people. “