By Kerri Kreh Reda, M.P.H.
As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Screen-Free Week 2020, originally scheduled for April 30-May 6, 2020, has been postponed. Many of us use technology more than ever right now, and have relaxed our rules around screen time for ourselves and our children. While we are fortunate that technology allows us to stay connected and continue to work and learn remotely during this time of social distancing, we still need to find balance with screen-free activities.
Now, more than ever, we need to get outdoors for fresh air and physical activity to give our bodies a break from sitting. We need to “unplug”, giving our minds a break from technology and media. So while it may not be possible to follow a full screen-free week, I encourage you to try “Screen-Free Saturdays”.
For more information on Screen-Free Saturdays and to take the pledge, visit www.screenfree.org
Kerri Kreh Reda, M.P.H., is a Human Development Specialist with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County’s Family Health and Wellness Program. She can be reached at 631-727-7850 ext. 330 or at kkr5@cornell.edu.