The Power of Unplugging: How a Week off Tech Transformed Our Family

In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, it's easy to forget the simple joys of life. As a parent of two teens and a tween, I've witnessed firsthand how constant connectivity can slowly erode our children's sense of self and curiosity about the world around them. But recently, our family embarked on a transformative journey - a week of outdoor play, free from the constant ping of notifications and the glow of screens. What we discovered was nothing short of remarkable.

Rediscovering the Art of Play

Remember when we were kids, creating elaborate games with our mates? We'd spend hours negotiating rules, problem-solving on the fly, and learning to navigate complex social situations. These seemingly simple interactions are crucial for developing essential life skills.

During our week away, I watched in awe as my children rediscovered this lost art. They created their own games, set boundaries, and worked through disagreements without adult intervention. Australian research backs up the importance of this type of unstructured play. A study from the University of Western Australia found that outdoor play is essential for developing social-emotional skills, problem-solving abilities, and resilience in children and adolescents (Christian et al., 2015).

The Benefits of Unplugging

As we settled into our device-free routine, the changes were palpable:

1. Improved Sleep: Without the blue light from screens disrupting their circadian rhythms, our kids slept better and woke up more refreshed. This aligns with research from the Sleep Health Foundation of Australia, which has shown that reducing screen time before bed can significantly improve sleep quality (Sleep Health Foundation, 2020).

2. Enhanced Emotional Awareness: Free from the constant distractions of social media, our children became more attuned to their own emotions and those of others around them. They laughed more freely, expressed themselves more openly, and demonstrated increased empathy.

3. Reduced FOMO: The fear of missing out (FOMO) that often plagues teenagers seemed to dissipate. Instead of constantly checking what others were doing, they became fully present in their own experiences.

4. Increased Confidence: As they tackled new outdoor activities and overcame challenges, I saw their confidence grow. They began to trust their own judgement more, rather than seeking constant validation online.

5. Improved Communication: Without screens to hide behind, we talked more, listened more intently, and connected on a deeper level as a family.

The Freedom to Choose

One of the most powerful aspects of our week away was the autonomy we gave our children. They had the freedom to choose their activities, whether that meant participating in organised outdoor adventures or simply lounging in a cabana with a good book. This element of choice is crucial for developing independence and decision-making skills, as highlighted by research from the University of Melbourne on self-determination theory in Australian adolescents (Hawke et al., 2020).

The Importance of Play in Development

It's crucial to understand that play isn't just about fun - it's a fundamental need for healthy development. Research from the University of South Australia has shown that a lack of play can inhibit natural growth and development, affecting cognitive skills, thinking skills, and even academic performance (Mavilidi et al., 2018).

A Reset for the Whole Family

This week wasn't just beneficial for our children - it was a reset for all of us. We reconnected with ourselves and each other in ways that had become rare in our busy, tech-filled lives. We rediscovered the joy of simply being, without the constant pressure to document or share every moment.

As we returned home, we carried with us not just memories, but a renewed sense of what's truly important. We've made a commitment to incorporate more outdoor play and device-free time into our daily lives. It's not about completely eschewing technology - it's about finding a balance that allows for the kind of growth, connection, and joy we experienced during our week away.

In a world that often prioritises constant connectivity, taking the time to unplug and play might just be the most important thing we can do for our children's development - and for our own wellbeing. It's about rediscovering our purpose and our connections, away from the noise of our digital world.

References:

Christian, H., Zubrick, S. R., Foster, S., Giles-Corti, B., Bull, F., Wood, L., ... & Boruff, B. (2015). The influence of the neighborhood physical environment on early child health and development: A review and call for research. Health & Place, 33, 25-36.

Sleep Health Foundation. (2020). Technology & Sleep. Retrieved from https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/technology-sleep.html

Hawke, L. D., Relihan, J., Miller, J., McCann, E., Rong, J., Darnay, K., ... & Henderson, J. (2020). Engaging youth in research planning, design and execution: Practical recommendations for researchers. Health Expectations, 23(3), 562-573.

Mavilidi, M. F., Ruiter, M., Schmidt, M., Okely, A. D., Loyens, S., Chandler, P., & Paas, F. (2018). A narrative review of school-based physical activity for enhancing cognition and learning: The importance of relevancy and integration. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 2079.