Screentox

Have you heard this word before, what does it really mean?

"Screentox" is a popular term that combines "screen" and "detox." It refers to taking a break from digital devices to counteract the negative effects of excessive screen time. By reducing or eliminating time spent on smartphones, computers, and TVs, the goal is to improve both physical and mental well-being.

For families it is a playful yet powerful reset for kids (and parents!) to break free from screen overload and rediscover the joy of real-life moments. Whether it’s more outdoor adventures, deeper conversations, or creative play, Screentox helps families unplug with intention and reconnect where it matters most.

So, are you already a victim of your screen? Be honest.

While I’ve consciously decided not to have a smartphone for the sake of my wellbeing, I’m not immune to the lure of screen time myself. I’ll admit it—I can definitely do with less laptop time. It’s easy to get caught up, and sometimes I find myself scrolling, when I should be doing something more present. It’s a struggle, but recognizing it is the first step, right?

Many parents come to us with concerns about their children's screen time. In our nearly 19 years of supporting families, we've seen this issue grow exponentially. What was once just a way to entertain or distract has now become a daily struggle, with parents wondering how much is too much. These little devices have become the most convenient babysitters—no hourly nanny fee, always on hand, and often too easy to rely on.

You know me well and what needs to be tackled first—let’s start with our screen usage.

Do you realize that our kids are so obsessed with those little devices because they see us constantly on ours? We set the example, whether we like it or not. It's tough to blame them for wanting to be glued to their screens when we’re doing the same.

I know how hard it can be. Check your screen time for the day – no more staying in the dark about it. Face it head-on and become aware of your own usage before you start trying to manage your kids’ screen time. We often use the excuse that we’re adults, we work with our phones, and everyone communicates through them – all true. But wouldn’t we do better with a few boundaries ourselves?

• What if you turned it off at 6 or 7, just like you would when finishing work?

• What if you left it off the table during meals and created some screen-free time, so your kids can follow your example?

• What if you didn’t feel the need to respond to everyone instantly, especially when you’re already engaged with someone else – particularly your spouse or kids?

• What if you showed them there are other ways to entertain themselves, like going outside or building something together?

It all starts with you and me.

I know I’ve shared thoughts on this before, but it’s something I feel so deeply, and I just can’t let it go. Our children’s childhood is slipping away because of these distracting devices. They steal the most precious thing we can offer: our presence. We walk with our kids, but we’re buried in our screens. We’re at the playground, but we’re lost in our phones. We stand at the school play, filming them, but we’re not really there – our children are looking for us, they’re searching for our eye contact. Instead of seeing our eyes, they see our phones.

Our children are starving for our attention because of these devices. Let that sink in. We’re trading moments we can never get back. Your child craves your gaze, your smile, your full, undivided attention. So I ask you - when was the last time you went somewhere with your child and left your phone at home? Just the two of you, really present with each other? Has that ever happened?

I know the excuses all too well—'What if something happens? What if there’s an emergency?' For example, you might wonder, 'What if the kids need me urgently, or what if there's a work crisis I need to respond to right away?

Five and a half years ago, I made the decision to give up my flip phone for a life without a smartphone. And you know what? I've done well. I've never had an emergency I couldn't handle, whether I was living on a remote island, in Switzerland, Barcelona or France. If I ever need help, there's always someone nearby with a phone.

I’m not telling you to make the same choice I did—that’s just what felt right for me. But if you want to truly show your children what it looks like to be present, it starts with you. Take the first step.

Don’t shake this off. Let it set in. Pause, take a breath, and really think about it. Ask the Holy Spirit what changes you can make today. It doesn’t have to be all at once—take it step by step.

If your children are old enough, share with them honestly. Tell them that you’ve lost control over your device. Yes, it’s humbling, but trust me—this will speak to their hearts. They’ll see your vulnerability, and you’ll be showing them the way. Together, you can regain that control, rebuild that connection, and work on it as a family. It starts in your heart and from there it will change everything. For we cannot teach what we do not live.

This is our invitation, yours and mine. Let’s take this step—for the health, connection, and well-being of our families. Teaching the next generation that it’s possible to live with intention, to be present, and to prioritize real connections starts with us. Together, we can set the example and pave the way for a future where our children grow up feeling seen, loved, and truly connected.

Yes, this was heavy—but it’s only when we face these truths that we can truly think about screentoxing our children.

So, you’ve noticed it too—screens have taken over your day. Meal times, for example, used to be a struggle with your picky eater, but now, if they watch a quick clip, they eat faster. Shopping has become much easier when your child is entertained with an age-appropriate series. Car rides? Bliss. You get quality time to talk to your spouse while your child is glued to a screen. Restaurants? A treat, as long as your child has something to watch. We could add brushing their teeth, waiting at the doctor’s office, spending quality time with a friend—and yes, even at church, we see those little faces absorbed in their screens, because it’s just easier to focus, right? Screens seem like the perfect solution to keep things calm, but have we really stopped to think about the long-term impact on our connection with them?

Guilty?

This isn’t about shaming you—trust me, I get it. I’m thankful that I raised my kids mostly without these distractions, and I can only imagine how it must feel for you right now. If we’re not taught or don’t stop to think this through, and when everyone around us is doing the same, it’s easy to fall into this trap. Honestly we are all prone to. And just because I do not have a phone, I already mentioned it I have to be careful and set healthy boundaries with my laptop too!

So, how do we start?

1. Model the Change
   As parents, we need to model the behaviors we want to see in our children. Lead by example.

2. Do Your Family Goals
   If you’ve never set them, now’s the time! Creating a vision for your family helps break down daily life and guides what you want to do and avoid. Sit down with your spouse and establish goals together. More on this here.

3. Set Clear Boundaries
   After you’ve established family goals, set clear boundaries with your spouse or a trusted friend for single parents. For example, set specific times for screen use, such as no screens during meals, car rides, or before bedtime. Consistency is key.

4. Offer Alternatives
   You can’t just take something away without offering something else to replace it. Here are some alternatives for different situations:

   • Meal Times: Cook with your baby in the highchair and let them observe the process. Let your toddler help with age-appropriate tasks. Over time, you're teaching them to cook too. Make cooking fun and interactive, and stay consistent with keeping meals device-free.

   • During Shopping Trips, Car Rides, Restaurants, Doctors' Office, Time with Friends, Church Services: Bring a backpack filled with toys, books, or coloring materials to keep your child entertained and engaged.

   • Nature Walks: Spend time outdoors and explore nature together. Talk about the different trees, flowers, and animals. Encourage curiosity by letting your child pick up leaves or create nature art. You can also build things like forts with sticks or explore nearby trails.

   • At Home: Create creative activities like crafting, painting, making music, or solving puzzles together. There are endless possibilities for screen-free activities.

5. Quality, Not Quantity
   If your kids do watch something, make it intentional. Choose shows or movies that have educational or positive values. Whenever possible, watch together and engage in meaningful conversations to make the experience more enriching.

6. Family Time Without Screens
   Set aside regular time for family activities that don’t involve devices. Whether it’s a walk, a meal, or a game night, these moments offer valuable opportunities to connect with each other and create lasting memories without distractions.

7. Communicate the Why
   Be open with your kids about the changes you’re making. Explain the importance of connecting with each other and how too much screen time interferes with those connections. Do this age-appropriately and build on it.

A word of caution: this isn’t a quick fix that will make everything feel better instantly. It’s a marathon, a long journey of teaching values and developing a healthy approach to screen time. So, whether you have a toddler, preschooler, pre-teen, or teenager, don’t expect hugs of gratitude right away. In fact, you might face resistance—screaming, kicking, and frustration. They haven’t learned how to handle boredom without a screen.

Stay intentional in mentoring them through these tough moments, guiding them without resorting to the easy comfort of a device. It will take courage, consistency, and perseverance on your part. This is the harder road, but in the long run, it’s the healthier one.

Remember, we’re not parenting for today or tomorrow but for a lasting legacy—one that will influence generations to come. There are battles to be won, and this is one of them.

If you’re feeling discouraged or like your resolve is weak, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the root issue behind your struggles. You may find yourself caught in a cycle, knowing how important this change is, but unable to follow through. We want to come alongside you, because simply having a few good ideas won’t help. Going deeper with Him will untangle what only He can heal. This isn’t just for you—it’s a gift for your family and the generations that will follow.