A Marion County nonprofit is asking local officials to create a new, “Put the Phone Down” campaign to disconnect local children from screens, with reports suggesting kids ages 8 to 12 spend an average of 4 to 6 hours a day on screens, and teens spend up to 9 hours a day.
On Tuesday, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners and the Ocala City Council will hear presentations about a new, “Look Up Marion, Put The Phone Down” initiative from the Marion County Children’s Alliance (MCCA).
The MCAA has partnered with several community stakeholders to acknowledge the day on November 15, as well as a summit on December 3.
“Don’t scroll through moments…live them. The most meaningful connections aren’t made through screens, but through shared experiences in the world right in front of you,” reads an MCCA statement on program.
MCCA reports that 42% of parents say screens interrupt family time, and 46% of teens say their parent is at least sometimes distracted by their phone when they’re trying to talk to them.
Additionally, the organization says that 88% of child drownings occur with at least one adult present, suggesting the adults present may have been distracted by a phone screen.
“Limiting phone use can avoid ‘technoference,’ where parent-child bonding is interrupted by screens, and allow more face-to-face connection,” reads the initiative.
Through the program, the county plans to educate families on screen time and its impact, important statistics to know about screen-related dangers, and practical tips and guides on how to navigate responsible phone use.
“We envision a Marion County that is safer, stronger, and more connected – one choice at a time. When we all choose to pay closer attention to life online, we not only proactively prevent the risks that come with too much screen time, but we also get to enjoy being present,” reads a statement from the website formed for the initiative.
On November 15, those who participate in the initiative will be encouraged to disconnect from screens for the day and play offline, outdoor activities. Additionally, participants will be encouraged to have a family meeting about the benefits and dangers of screen time, as well as how to develop a family media plan for healthier habits.
The summit on December 3 will take place at the College of Central Florida (3001 SW College Road) in Ocala. Doors open at 8 a.m. and the program begins at 8:30 a.m. The cost to attend is $20.
To sign up and take part in the new initiative and to access the toolkit to help you, visit Look Up Marion online.
What are your thoughts on the proposed initiative? Share them in a comment below or, if you have more to say on the topic, consider writing a letter to the editor.