Childhood unplugged Practical advice to get kids off screens and find balance

"Our children must escape a childhood hemmed in by digital media," according to lifestyle journalist Martinko's helpful debut guide. Though she acknowledges screen use can sometimes be beneficial, noting that her son takes violin lessons over Zoom, Martinko suggests that phones, laptops, and other devices take up time children should instead spend learning social skills and problem-solving by playing offline. Older kids are at risk too, she contends, discussing studies that found anxiety and depression correlated with long hours of social media use. Encouraging parents to help their children unplug, Martinko notes that carrying infants in a sling and taking them on daily walks can keep them stimulated without screens, and recommends that elementary school--age children get an hour of outside time each day and pitch in with chores to keep busy. Screen time will increase during the teen years, Martinko writes, but she urges parents to set limits, which might include restricting time spent playing video games and installing parental controls on smartphones. The guidance offers some solid ideas for reducing digital dependency, but her advice for parents to "advocate for less tech in the classroom" underestimates the importance of computer literacy to academic and professional success. Still, this has some useful suggestions on how to get kids to log off. (July)

Living in a house surrounded by books, board games, and musical instruments in lieu of entertainment centers and devices, sustainable living expert Martinko has written much for treehugger.com about the joys of living as technology-free as possible. As a child, she lived in a lake house in Muskoka, Canada, with no neighbors most of the year; this environment encouraged her to engage in imaginative play. An increased amount of free time and outdoor activities are a few of the rewards her family gained from her parents' decision to not have Wi-Fi. The author shares both the "why" and the "how" to help parents recapture a childhood captive to screens. Part I analyzes the hefty price and the mental and physical health impact that dependence on technology can cause. Part II is designed to help children (and parents) not only put their devices down but replace them with better options. The book recommends donating, selling, or giving away gadgets in order to set a positive example. Included are a list of resources, websites, and books for further research. VERDICT Will likely prove to be a popular title for the many parents who want to wean their family's device-dependence.