Digital detox for the whole family

Be honest: when was the last time you did nothing? And I really mean nothing. For all of us, this is one of the most difficult exercises of all. No wonder: we live, learn and work in a meritocracy.

The internet and mobile devices have increased the pace even more dramatically. Today, the hamster wheel is spinning faster and faster, even though the digital world constantly promises us optimisation. But if we were actually saving valuable time, where is this time gained?

If we were actually saving valuable time thanks to digitalisation and mobile devices, where is this time saved?

It's true that digital achievements have given us more independence. With our mobile phones, we are even able to make professional arrangements on the tram or while shopping.

Children and young people, on the other hand, can reach their parents quickly in an emergency and stay in touch with friends until late in the evening. However, we all pay a price for this: constant availability is a heavy burden. It is difficult not to respond to incoming calls and messages.

The situation is similarly ambivalent when it comes to working from home. On the one hand, the new acceptance of superiors in favour of relocating the workplace to the home office is certainly to be welcomed. On the other hand, the end of the working day can become a distant prospect.

And isn't the home gradually losing its status as a private retreat? What does that do to the family? And how can we counteract this? Perhaps by stepping on the brakes together. Temporarily giving up digital media can be an important part of slowing down.

Be more aware of the digital world

The appropriate keyword for this is digital detox. This form of detoxification is modelled on Ayurvedic purification methods for the human body.

Don't worry, no one has to choke down viscous vegetable juices and drink alkalising teas during the digital detox. Rather, voluntarily giving up smartphones and other devices should lead to a more conscious and healthier approach to the digital world and a more mindful approach to oneself in future.

There's just one catch: when it comes to taking time out from media consumption, we see it as our children's duty above all, as their very active use regularly drives us into a rage anyway. At the same time, we adults are true masters of repression when it comes to reflecting on our own media behaviour. Freely adapted from the Sermon on the Mount: Why do you see the mote in your child's eye, but do not notice the beam in your own eye?

We have long known from experience that even we parents find it difficult to put our smartphones down. It even interrupts everything. And haven't we all just left our child standing there because of an incoming call with a whispered «This is important»?

I also admit - albeit reluctantly - that I am not a good role model myself. But if we really want to learn a better way of dealing with digital detoxification, this can only be achieved together as a whole family. But how exactly should this happen?

Rather small goals

The «Neue Zürcher Zeitung» recently reported on an American boarding school: since a strict ban on smartphones has been in place there, the pupils have flourished socially. That sounds better than it is. Because as promising as this may sound to our ears, radical measures are never really effective. In any case, these pupils will not learn a healthy and balanced approach to mobile phones. In my opinion, small rather than ambitious goals are better suited to ensure that experience and knowledge are not lost.

That's why a tentative start is not only advisable, but also much more realistic for adults and children. To start with, we could, for example, decide together with our children on one Saturday or Sunday a month. To be honest, it still won't be easy.

After all, a comprehensive media-free day for the whole family doesn't just mean giving up smartphones, tablets and computers, but also includes television, radio, radio plays and, in the extreme version, even newspapers, magazines and books. And what's left? Quite simply: time!

The digital detox is perhaps not so much about doing without, but rather about regaining valuable family time. Quality time is the appropriate technical term, which can be loosely translated as «time for undivided attention».

Turning boredom into productivity

A detox day is a wonderful opportunity for a day without constant interruptions. In the beginning, it's bound to feel a little stiff and unfamiliar. And children quickly find this state boring and mega boring.

But that's marvellous, as we all know that boredom can lead to something new. After just a few minutes, collective creativity awakens and boredom turns into collective productivity: everyone cooks, bakes, paints, crafts, plays, laughs and, above all, talks to each other. Suddenly everyone is as relaxed and relaxed as they usually are on the third day of the holiday.

Digtal Detox is not a decision against digital devices, but in favour of our time together.

What's more, as soon as children and young people realise that we really do take time for them and their interests, this promotes a shared relationship and bond. In this way, we find out what worries, hopes or goals are currently driving our girls and boys. We parents can also freely share what is currently on our minds, amusing or troubling us.

And: digital detox is not an indoor affair. Such days are also great for doing something together with children where a smartphone would only get in the way: going out into nature, visiting swimming pools or ice rinks, going on bike rides or bowling.

Conclusion: Digtal Detox is not a decision against digital devices, but in favour of our time together.