Scouts SA encourages more face to face and less face to screen time for kids.
Scouts SA is calling for kids to spend more time socialising face to face than on screens to encourage and support the development of important life skills and attributes such as resilience, leadership, problem solving, personal engagement, curiosity and a desire to learn.
“The amount of time kids are spending on devices – on TikTok, You Tube or other social media platforms is concerning. Across all ages, we are seeing an increasing number of young people who haven’t developed important life skills to their full potential simply through a lack of exposure to the types of experiences required to grow them.
“Screen time managed well absolutely has its place in today’s world and it’s not going anywhere however the balance between real life and screen life has tipped worryingly toward too much of one and not enough of the other” said Scouts SA Chief Commissioner John Clarke.
Scouts SA supports a world where children are not just scrolling but instead, are learning to navigate the complexities of nature and human interaction with courage and curiosity. It encourages a healthy balance of on and off-line time tipped firmly in favour of real experiences whether they be challenging oneself whilst undertaking adventurous activities, discovering and learning new skills, creating or participating in the arts or imagining and building your own adventure and creating lifelong memories.
“Real life activity underpins an integral part of the development of resilience, and it simply cannot be replicated through the fleeting nature of social media interactions,” said Mr Clarke
A nationwide resilience survey conducted in conjunction with Uni SA among Scouts and non- Scouts aged 8-18 highlighted the benefits of participating in a variety of activities such as those offered by involvement with Scouting.
From problem solving to being more likely to forgive themselves if they make a mistake, the Resilience Survey found Scouts demonstrate a far wider range of resilient behaviours. The findings indicated that kids in Scouts demonstrated higher levels across a number of elements of resilience, including Positive Relationships, Social Skills, Understanding Self, Safe, Healthy Mind and Body, Positive Learners, Positive Identity, Positive Values and Positive Contribution.
Scouts SA encourages parents, educators, and community leaders to recognise the enduring value of scouting in shaping well-rounded, capable, and compassionate individuals. A youth-led, adult supported range of programs, resources and support is committed to empowering SA youth as they embark on a transformative journey that equips them with the skills, values, and experiences needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
ABOUT SCOUTS
Children aged from 5 years can join Scouts and create their own journey of discovery through a variety of activities for all interests – from outdoor adventure to performing arts and everything in between.
Real-World Experiences: Scouts engage in camping, hiking, performing arts, and community service, fostering a deep connection with nature and society. These experiences build resilience, problem-solving skills, and empathy, preparing scouts to thrive in diverse environments.
Leadership Development: Scouting instils leadership qualities through practical experiences like leading patrols, organising events, and mentoring younger scouts. These opportunities develop confidence, teamwork, and decision-making skills, which are essential for success in all facets of life.
Offline Connections: While social media fosters virtual connections, scouting promotes face-to-face interactions, encouraging meaningful relationships and social skills. Scouts learn to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and collaborate with diverse groups, laying a solid foundation for future personal and professional relationships.
Personal Growth: Scouting encourages self-discovery and personal growth throughout its programs, leadership roles, and outdoor challenges. Scouts develop resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset, empowering them to navigate life’s complexities with confidence and determination.
Scouts SA are a Sports Vouchers approved provider.
For more information about Scouts SA and how scouting empowers youth, please visit www.sa.scouts.com.au or contact 1800 SCOUTS.
For more information and all enquiries please visit the SA Scouts website.
What: Join Scouts SA
When: Join anytime
Where: Find a Scouts SA group near you
Who: 5 years and over
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
Image Source: supplied by Scouts SA
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