Replace Screen Time With “Green Time”
Time outdoors can have many mental and physical health benefits, among them improved sleep and increased attention span, says Markle. “I encourage you to support your teen in building in at least one hour per day of outdoor time into their daily schedule. By doing this, you support them in many key areas, such as better school performance, more friends, and an improved attention span and mood.”
Being aware of which needs the teen is fulfilling with their screen use can help to identify alternative activities that still fulfill those needs offscreen, says Markle. For example, if video gaming is providing a sense of competence, social connection, and autonomy, as well as an interest in strategy and team play, then those experiences could be successfully transferred to activities like rock climbing, ultimate Frisbee, and in-person chess.