Strategies to keep kids engaged, off their phones during summertime

TYLER, Texas (KETK) – With summer break in full swing, there are some local community resources available to help keep kids engaged and off their phones.

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Tyler Parks and Recreation have free camps called the Summer Playground Program located at P.T. Cole Park and Emmett J. Scott Park. It’s focused on sports, arts, crafts and visits from local organizations such as the fire department, recycle truck and police department to keep children connected over their eight-week program.

“We have board games, arts and crafts scheduled. On Fridays we have water days and have Kona Ice,” said recreation supervisor Staci Lara. “We try to engage them recreationally outdoors to have a fun summer and off their phones.”

Summer camps are one option, but there are other strategies available to parents. 

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Tyler Family Counseling recommends other approaches such as time limits, charging stations in living rooms and keeping the child busy. 

“Are they involved in sports, are they involved in band or art or any, whatever their interests are, get them involved in something outside of just consistently being on their phone 24/7,” said Tyler family counselor Rebekah Walker. “It’s up to parents to be involved in their children’s lives.”

Walker also speaks about a movement called “wait till eighth” a pledge parents are making together to wait until eighth grade before buying their child a cell phone.

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