Screen time or playtime? Bonner Springs students show parents one summer option

BONNER SPRINGS, Kan. (KCTV) - A blockbuster movie is helping spark a conversation in Bonner Springs about how kids balance screen time with playtime.

As “Toy Story 5” brings questions about technology and kids to theaters, students in the Bonner Springs-Edwardsville School District are spending part of their summer at a screen-free strength and conditioning program.

Students stay active during summer break

Students from elementary school through high school are taking part in workouts, games and activities at Bonner Springs High School. The program includes weightlifting, badminton, basketball and other activities.

Byron Mays, head strength and conditioning coach at Bonner Springs High School, said students come in four days a week during the summer. Younger students participate for about an hour, while older students take part for about two hours.

“We play lots of games and keep the kids active and try to keep them engaged with our school community, as well as our community in general,” Mays said.

Mays said the program is not required, but many students choose to attend. He said students put away their phones and devices during the sessions.

“There’s no screen time,” Mays said. “And the kids enjoy it.”

Kids say they prefer time with friends

Students said the program gives them a chance to see friends during summer break.

Emma Arnett, who is going into sixth grade, said she has an iPad but would choose spending time with friends over using it.

“Hanging out with my friends,” Emma said. “Because it’s more fun.”

Mason Mullen, who is going into fourth grade, said he has a tablet but also prefers being with friends.

Health expert urges intentional screen use

Rebekah Reyes-Adams, Integrated Health Advancement Program Manager with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, said families should think about the type of screen time children are using, not just the amount.

“I think it was a really great movie to highlight a lot of different things that parents and families are facing when it comes to technology,” Reyes-Adams said.

Reyes-Adams offered several tips for parents navigating screen time with their children:

• Focus on quality over quantity: The type of screen time is more important than the amount. Passive use—where a child is not thoughtfully engaged—carries a higher risk of anxiety, depression, or loneliness.
• Be intentional and active: Encourage screen time that is active or educational rather than passive.
• Engage with your kids: Sit down with your children, talk to them about what they are engaging with, and use screens to spark conversations and connections.
• Model healthy behavior: Put down your own screen, make eye contact when your children are talking to you, and openly discuss when you feel you need a break from your device.
• Establish screen-free times: Set aside specific times during the day, such as mealtimes or during family activities, that are intentionally screen-free.
• Use device limits: Utilize built-in app or program limits to prevent children from slipping into passive use when they get bored or lonely.
• Watch for behavioral changes: If a child’s behavior changes or they withdraw, parents should step in and help manage screen use that may be beyond the child’s developmental capacity to navigate alone.