Screen-Free Saturdays

In so many ways, we are more dependent on digital technologies than ever. Families across the globe have had to loosen their screen time rules just to get through the week. And many families find weekdays exhausting as they juggle work, remote learning, keeping in touch with loved ones, and following the latest developments. Screen-Free Saturdays are an opportunity to take a break from the seemingly endless noise of quarantine life and recharge for the coming week.

Screen-Free Saturdays are a tool for us to take the time we need to prioritize our families and our wellbeing. They offer a sanctuary: a space in stressful times for us to be present. Like their sister, Screen-Free Week, Screen-Free Saturdays are a chance for us to play, explore, and rediscover the joys of life beyond ad-supported screens. And they are great for our mental and physical health to boot!

Take the pledge to go screen-free on Saturdays! Need a little more info? Explore our resources or check out our blog to hear from people who have unplugged and loved it.

It’s simple. Designate one day of the week to just put down those screens and take the break we all need right now. You might be surprised at what you find. Do a puzzle, climb a tree, have a dance party, make dinner together. Rake the yard, clean up the toys, build a fort — the possibilities are endless. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Try a tech shabbat: One great suggestion is to go screen-free from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. This breaks up the time a little bit and provides a Friday night “kick off.” Plus, it makes for a great night’s sleep on Friday with no blue-light to keep you awake. Ironically, some of our tech shabbat participants who have older children like to end their day with a family movie night on Saturday! Make the day yours!

Participate in our weekly themes: Each week, you’ll receive an email with tips and tricks for your screen-free practices on Saturdays and throughout the week. Need a challenge? Our themes might introduce you to new activities to try out as a family or individual.

Saturdays don’t work for you? No problem! Pick another day of the week to commit to. A whole day doesn’t work? We believe in you! But if it’s just not working, try 5-9 PM every day- or staying off screens for the first hour of your day. Every little bit makes a difference.

Once you take the pledge, we’ll send you tips for success throughout your Saturday and the rest of the week!

We go Screen-Free because it feels good for us and our families. Unplugging for a day brings us the chance to do so much — or do nothing — which helps to rebalance. We know that our children need to play and have hands-on experiences as they grow. We know that our families benefit from time together — playing games, working on a project, and just being present with each other. Screen-Free Saturdays are a sanctuary for family connection and give your kids a chance to reset after a busy week. Plus, it’s just fun!

We go Screen-Free because we’ve seen the positive results. Over the past 9 years, Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood has hosted Screen-Free Week, our annual, international celebration where families, schools, and whole communities put down their entertainment screens for 7 days of screen-free fun. With COVID-19 disrupting in-person events, we’ve introduced Screen-Free Saturdays as a meaningful alternative and a chance to unplug in a chaotic world.

We go Screen-Free so we don’t need to negotiate. Once that device goes on, it can be so hard to get kids (and adults!) to turn it off. Designating a whole day that’s screen-free (and providing many reminders that it’s coming) takes away the arguments that come built-in with technology use. Your family will find more peace and joy than ever.

We go Screen-Free because we need it. Schools have moved online, many parents and caregivers are telecommuting, the news is on in the background, and more than ever before, our screen time is non-stop. It’s stressful to all be under the same roof and navigating a different reality. It takes a toll on our mental health and family life. So, while our use of technology is perhaps more necessary than ever, so are times when we can take breaks from our screens.