OSHKOSH, Wis. (WBAY) – The Women’s Fund of Oshkosh has launched Tech-Free Tuesdays, offering families 15 different activities at several businesses in Oshkosh as a break from technology.
“We have line dancing at the library. Pickleball at the YMCA. Singo, which is a combination of bingo and name that tune, happening at the Gibson, and the last two Tuesdays of the month, we’re doing a big 100-course obstacle course at the arena,” said Karlene Grabner, executive director of the Women’s Fund of Oshkosh.
The Women’s Fund of Oshkosh launched their Smart Social Project in January, surveying kids, teens and parents about their use of technology and some of its mental impacts. Research found cyberbullying, sleep deprivation, and addictive behaviors as factors.
Activities encourage face-to-face connection
At Fire Escape, families can put down their phones and pick up a paint brush to create art and memories together in an effort to help Oshkosh look up from screens. Activities like these give families a chance to slow down, connect and focus on each other without everyday distractions.
“It’s not a bad thing that we use screens. It’s not a bad thing that our world is now digital. It’s how do we change how we use it smarter. How do we interact with technology better,” Grabner said.
The Women’s Fund of Oshkosh brought together Oshkosh physicians and counselors to talk about some of their top concerns among their patients. Research found that technology was a common answer.
The Smart Social Project launched the “Look Up” campaign to help reduce screen time for just a few hours a day with Tech-Free Tuesdays. Families can enjoy line dancing, singo, pickleball and arts and crafts.
“One of our biggest fights is to get the parent if they’re not painting to put the phone down and pick up a paint brush. We do it all the time like come on just pick it up enjoy that time that memory with your kid and not sit on your phone. We say it constantly,” said Rebecca Graf, owner of Fire Escape.
Tech-Free Tuesdays run every Tuesday throughout the month of February. Registration is required.
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