Swap Screen Time for Green Time

Did you know that in 2020, over a third of people on earth owned a smart phone? In fact, there are currently more than 10 billion smart devices in circulation, more than the entire human population!

Smart phones have changed the way many of us live and can bring many benefits to our lives. They make it easy for us to contact and connect with each other. They help us to learn about the world around us by giving almost instant access to an incredible wealth of information. They help us navigate and plan and, for many, they make us feel safer, particularly when exploring outdoors.

However, there are downsides too. The average person's smartphone sends about 45 push notifications a day and studies have shown that being regularly distracted, for example, by smartphones, leads to decreased concentration, increased production of stress hormones and eventually physiological harm. It can be even worse for young people. Evidence from the U.S. showed that in 2023, the average Gen Z (born 1997-2013) mobile user received 140 notifications a day. This can result in reduced concentration, sleep deprivation and an increased likelihood of experiencing mental health issues.

Evidence shows that spending time in nature can bring many health and wellbeing benefits and can help to counteract some of the negative impacts of too much screen time. 

So, whether you’re looking to reduce your own screen time or to find new ways to connect with the young people in your life outside of their phones, we’ve curated a series of events to help you do just that!