5 smarter ways kids can cut screen time and build real-life skills

India Today

a day ago

There's growing awareness about the harmful effects of excessive and addictive screen time. Not only does it impact mental health, but it also affects the quality of sleep. While this is a widely recognised concern, what's still missing is a structured and actionable approach to help students replace their reliance on screens with alternative habits. These habits must not only be enjoyable, but also equip them with meaningful, real-world skills that benefit them both now and in the future.advertisementHere are five thoughtful ways to make summer more meaningful, as suggested by Praneet Mungali, seasoned educationist and Trustee of the Sanskriti Group of Schools.1. LEARNING A PRACTICAL SKILLAs AI rapidly advances, many intellectual tasks are at risk of automation. This concern was recently voiced by Nobel Laureate in Physics and the godfather of AI, Geoffrey Hinton. He said that skills involving working with our hands—like carpentry, farming, and plumbing—are not only harder to replace, but remain uniquely human.
These skills also support brain development, especially in children. The more diverse the experiences they have, the more neural pathways are formed, boosting learning. In a world where such abilities are vanishing in urban life, encouraging children to garden, visit farms, or work with simple tools offers long-term benefits with minimal cost and lasting impact.2. LEARNING A NEW SPORT OR PHYSICAL ACTIVITYadvertisementPhysical fitness is one of the best lifelong habits that children can develop at a young age. As Swami Vivekananda rightly said, "It is impossible for a healthy mind to reside in an unhealthy body." Outdoor play and movement benefit kids not only physically but emotionally.Picking up a new sport teaches not just the game but also skills such as teamwork, commitment, discipline, and sportsmanship—qualities that prove useful later in life. If not a sport, any fitness-based activity such as running, cycling, exercising, or even yoga can help keep children active and balanced.3. LEARNING PRANAYAMASocial psychologist Jonathan Haidt, in his book The Anxious Generation, discusses the negative impact of excessive social media use. He highlights how it's damaging the attention span of young people and contributing to a rise in anxiety.To counter this, children can be introduced to pranayama—ancient breathing techniques that calm the parasympathetic nervous system. Just a few minutes of structured breathing and mindfulness each day can teach children how to manage stress and anxiety, making it a vital life skill in today's emotionally demanding world.4. READING A BOOKReading physical books is becoming rare as screens dominate. Reading on devices often invites distraction—be it web surfing or checking social media.advertisementReading a book builds vocabulary, sharpens focus, encourages imagination, and teaches patience. It's also a great way to relax the mind and aid sleep, especially when compared to screen exposure before bedtime.5. SPENDING TIME CONNECTING WITH PEOPLE IN THE REAL WORLDA well-known 80-year Harvard study on adult development found that the key to long-term happiness isn't wealth or career success—it's the quality of close, meaningful relationships. Real-world connections support our emotional well-being.Unfortunately, this social skill is weakening as people increasingly interact through screens. Encouraging children to build relationships offline—whether it's with friends, cousins, or grandparents—can nurture their emotional health. Even a phone call or a shared meal can be powerful.By intentionally introducing students to practical skills, fitness, mindfulness, reading, and real-world relationships, we can shift their focus from screen dependence to personal growth. The goal is not just reducing screen time but replacing it with enriching experiences that foster well-being, self-confidence, and long-term capability. It's time to move from awareness to action.- EndsTrending Reel