Looking Beyond the Screen
In a society that promotes social media consumption targeting our youth, parents are looking for opportunities for children to unplug and make real-world connections. It has been reported that, on average, American children spend only 4-7 minutes a day outside compared to a jarring 7.5 hours’ worth of screen time per day (CDC). Parents looking to decrease their children’s screentime can seek out their local nonprofit.
At Harford Family House, we encourage children to get involved in their community from an early age. Community engagement offers children the opportunity to become unplugged for a few hours and reconnect with those in need. By fostering a sense of responsibility for their community’s welfare, children are motivated to put down their devices and participate in activities that foster an understanding of the world around them.
Volunteering also offers exposure to a host of activities like painting, basic facility maintenance, gardening, and asset organization. Beyond that, service work offers the chance to expand on personal development skills like problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, and communication. For young people, learning these skills early not only enhances their social and emotional intelligence but also prepares them for future academic and professional success down the road.
At Harford Family House, we have seen firsthand the transformative impact of youth volunteerism. By encouraging our youth to take an active role in their community, we are helping them better understand the world around them.
To learn more about the available volunteer opportunities at Harford Family House, please contact Sue Lebuhn at slebuhn@harfordfamilyhouse.org or call 410-273-6700.
References:
CDC – Infographics – Screen time vs. lean time – NCCDPHP: Community health. (2018, December 12). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/physicalactivity/getmoving.htm