This was from a recent article published by the National Council, BSA. I thought it was worth sharing with everyone:
Summer vacation is in full swing, giving our Scouting families a chance to break from routines and make room for meaningful, unstructured time. But between summer reading lists, organized sports and day camps, family trips, too many families risk the weeks slipping by without making the most of this newfound free time.
Are you concerned about losing summer to screentime? It’s a legitimate worry, with the American Academy of Pediatrics reporting children spend an average of seven hours a day on digital entertainment. And as kids turn to social media for connections this summer, the risks of social media on youth mental health are at an all time high, encouraging a call to Congress to push for a warning label similar to that of tobacco and alcohol from U.S. surgeon general, Dr. Vivek Murthy. As a parent, it’s troubling to see that despite the ongoing reports linking high rates of screentime to youth anxiety, depression, and other well-being threats, half of today’s adolescents still report feeling “addicted” to their phones.
While girls are more likely to spend time on social media, it is especially concerning that boys between the ages 8-to-18 use more screentime overall, according to Common Sense Media, making up the majority of gamers, spending an average of over two hours each day on gaming.
Nature’s mental-health benefits are well documented and telling our kids to go outside and spend time in-person with peers seems like a simple solution. But amidst our new summer schedules, we still must set time aside to enjoy the numerous benefits that the great outdoors offers. Scouting gives our kids a reason to explore those benefits.
We have seen firsthand how Scouting adventures in the great outdoors can contribute to the well-being of our youth, though building their confidence, character, and skillset to live a life of purpose and impact.
There is nowhere better than on the trail, by the campfire, or on the ropes course to learn what it means to bravely do what’s right, be a friend to everyone and serve in reverence to God – principles that have made a positive, lasting impact on me and millions of Scouting alumni. As parents, we want to instill these values in our children and believe every child interested should have access to these experiences as well.
Recently, the Boy Scouts of America announced plans to become Scouting America – the latest step in working to create a welcoming environment for all. These efforts make it possible for even more children to get outside and enjoy the benefits of nature and service guided by the same faith-based values and traditions of the Scout Law and Oath that have made Scouting an American institution for over 114 years.
This summer, many parents will be monitoring, managing and battling screentime with their children, urging them to go outside. Instead, let’s encourage social without the media. Stories without streaming. Adventure without algorithms. Let’s make time for Scouting.
As always, if you have any questions or comments let me know.
Kenn Miller
(443) 573-2507