Reunited with Technology
Summerland Camps takes a revolutionary approach to screen time overuse. Most programs completely limit screen use with their campers, taking an abstinence approach. Simply put, abstinence approaches do not work.
How reasonable is it that our children can function in society today without the use of a cell phone, laptop, or tablet? This is not a reasonable approach to take. This approach today would be similar to telling someone with overeating issues to just not eat and totally avoid food. It’s simply an unreasonable and ineffective approach.
After the campers have had a technology detox, learned about the harmful effects of screen use overindulgence, developed a reasonable schedule with limits on screen use, and benefited from some corrective experiences including the building of coping skills and development of insight, they are ready to be given their electronics back.
Setting up for Success
However we don’t just had the camper’s device back over. We start with implementing the controls they agreed to when developing a set schedule in a previous step. We develop practical steps to limit use time like setting times and alerts. We talk campers through their use patterns and even practice with them putting the device away when their time is up.
Falling off track is part of the process, we also discuss with campers in behavior change how to get back on track when this happens. Once the campers are demonstrating the ability to use an electronic device independently without counselors intervening, they are ready for the home transition.