“Today’s teens are just not spending as much time with their friends in person, face-to-face, where they can really read each others’ emotions and get that social support. And we know from lots and lots of research that spending time with other people in person is one of the best predictors for psychological well-being and one of the best protections against having mental health issues.”
….So, you look at the pattern of loneliness. It suddenly begins to increase around 2012. And the majority of Americans had a cell phone by the end of 2012, according to the Pew Center.”
In a space that is rare in our world today, Sonlight unplugs both counselors and campers when they are at camp. Counselors have limited time to use phone, but away from all camp program. For a full week, kids, counselors and staff are together. They play, learn and do the work of daily living together. Research is showing the impact of a constantly connected society, and the impact on kids is significant.
For more about Jean Twenge’s work, and her upcoming book IGen …. read more
We’ve know it all along. Camp is good for kids!