And excessive screen time can cause feelings of loneliness, isolation and anxiousness.
One thing to keep in mind. In the late 1990's and early 2000's, having video games and videos on screen in your children's ministry area really appealed to kids. But now with the ability to play screen games 24/7 a day, something interesting has happened.
Traditional games are making a comeback. Since Gen Z kids have access to video stuff 24/7, regular board games and old school games are appealing to them. Many churches are cutting back on the number of video games they have in their pre-service time and are replacing it with old school games.
There are definitely advantages to swapping out video games and videos for old school board games and activities. The average child played video games on his or her smartphone all the way to church. Having video games in your children's area, is not that big of a deal for the child. But something totally different like a board game or activity that is hands on and lets kids move, is very appealing to them.
I'm not suggesting you remove all of your video games from your children's area. But I am suggesting you cut back some on the video games and emphasize board games, activities, etc.
Here are some of the games and fun activities that work well with Generation Screen.
- Connect 4
- Jinga
- Hedbanz
- Uno
- Pick Up Sticks
- Legos
- Lincoln Logs
- Checkers
- 4 square
- Craft supplies so kids can make bracelets, etc.
- Making cards for soldiers, kids that are sick, fireman, etc.
But when kids play board games and activities, they have the opportunity to make connections because they are looking at each other and their leaders.
Screens aren't going anywhere. If anything, our screen time will continue to increase.
Pull out the old board games and activities and you'll have something that Gen Z will be drawn to.
