Disconnect from the Digital™ and Reconnect with Those You Love

Disconnect from the Digital™

and Reconnect with Those You Love

What does it mean to DISCONNECT FROM THE DIGITAL™ (a/k/a “DFTD”)?

The phrase “Disconnect from the digital” is just the starting point of our philosophy and it’s simply meant to serve as a reminder to us all that we need to take pauses from our digital and online activities each day to be sure we reconnect with the important people in our lives. Even if it is in some “small” way.

The things you may think of as “small”, or just another part of the minutia of day-to-day life, are all moments that come together to strengthen our relationships with others and ultimately the fabric of our lives. Making a meal, going for a walk around the block, playing a basketball game in the driveway – there are any number of “small” daily activities that can add up to some “big” positive impacts in life.

Don’t worry! “Disconnect from the digital” (a/k/a “DFTD”) is not a suggestion from us at Grandparent Merit Badges to turn off all your electronic devices indefinitely, to go off the grid or drastically change the way you live your entire life. No, it’s much simpler than that and a lot more fun too.

We recognize that communication with our loved ones and friends during the years of the Covid pandemic greatly hinged on online access, video calls, social media posts and updates, etc. We celebrate the technology that helps us stay together even when we can’t physically be together and that keeps us informed and aware of important news events.

Even now, we all have family and friends that we just can’t physically be with for one reason or another, except for the grace of online technology or video chatting. Not to mention that same technology can also make it possible for some working adults to get their job done anywhere they need to be. Using this technology to engage in face-to-face conversations, share pictures or experience something together in a virtual capacity are very beneficial – sometimes even necessary. Just don’t forget to DFTD every day and check in with the people that are physically there with you too!

Now, more than ever, today’s children and teens are growing up in a world that revolves around the internet and online social media communities. In the current culture and media, they are exposed to all things online. Without proper adult monitoring, rationing and guidance, these online exposures can have adverse or detrimental effects on young pre-teens and teenagers. Depression, anxiety, body image issues, exposure to cyberbullying, device addictions, and mood changes from screen overexposure, etc. are just some of the detrimental impacts they might experience.

In fact, the U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy recently issued an advisory in May 2023 that social media use may be harmful to the mental health of young people, citing growing evidence that online content is hurting the development of the nation’s youth. (https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/4015544- surgeon-general-issues-advisory-that-social-media-is-contributing-to-youthmental-health-crisis/ )

Murthy specifically pointed to the possibility of a link between time spent on social media and depression and anxiety. He cited a 2019 study that found adolescents between ages 12-15 who spent more than three (3) hours on social media daily had double the risk of developing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

And, let’s face it…us adults are also facing the same struggles with ‘losing ourselves’ online and in social media. In the adult world, there is a tendency to say to another person, even as a sign of affection, “I’ll see you on Facebook'' or “I love seeing the pictures you post online.”  

Viewing family’s and friends’ photos online, scrolling through entertaining ‘reels’, online gaming with friends…all these things are fun and entertaining, but there is just no comparison for in-person togetherness. And we haven’t even broached how technology can interfere with working adults’ personal lives and relationships outside of working hours (put down that phone and stop checking your email)!

During these post-pandemic times, it is vitally important that we bring our traditions of being together with us into the future and beyond the pandemic isolation that we all became so used to. At Grandparent Merit Badges, we are all about disconnecting from the digital and reconnecting with those who matter the most, and we would love to motivate you to do the same.

To help combat the effects of online time and social media, guide and encourage your children, grandchildren and loved ones to ‘detox’ from their devices for a small time each day and engage in fun activities with you. You can be a shining example and help the DFTD movement catch on in your family’s life and circle of friends!

Our wonderful Grandparent Merit Badges family activity books offer a wide range of simple, yet enjoyable ideas for spending time and reconnecting with your loved ones…all outside the digital world.

Going for a bike ride, a walk, visiting a local lake or doing some baking are all activities featured in our books that can bring both you and your child away from the screens and closer together! When was the last time you prepared a meal with a friend, watered a garden with a child, or kicked a soccer ball in a field?

Other activities like creating an art project, drawing with chalk, or coloring together will get your child or grandchild’s approval. Spending quality time by grabbing a coffee or lunch and having a good chat can give the teenager in your life a good vibe for a whole week. Remember, “small” things can have a “big” impact!

There are so many ways to unplug and reconnect with your loved ones and we want to continue the encouragement of this through our books. Our collection of books ranges from cooking, dogs, gardening and nature. You can click here to discover the books.

We encourage everyone to carefully consider the effects of digital overexposure and to take conscientious action to disconnect each day. Let’s encourage each other to disconnect and reconnect … with each other!

‍