Survey Finds Camping Reduces Kids’ Screen Time

According to a survey conducted by Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts, camping reduces kids’ screen time. Jellystone sent the survey to 800 moms with recent camping or “glamping” experiences. Of those 800, 95 percent said that family members are less likely to engage in social media or other online activities while camping or “glamping” compared to when at home.

Results from the survey showed that 75 percent of moms who had camped said the variety of activities, such as swimming, arts and crafts, and games, as well as cooking together as a family, leave less time to spend on social media or the internet. And, two-thirds said camping stimulates quality conversations between family members that overshadows the need to communicate with other people online. This, in turn, leads to better communication and feelings of connectedness between family members.

“The survey also found that right now moms really value vacations that go beyond just fun,” said Trent Hershenson, vice president of marketing for Jellystone Park. “After the difficult year everyone has been through, parents are looking for ways to bring their families closer together, and camping does that better than any other type of trip.”

Last summer, approximately half of Jellystone Park guests were first time visitors, a trend which is continuing this year. The survey found that moms prefer camping and glamping over other types of vacations. Of those surveyed, 70 percent said they are somewhat to very comfortable camping or glamping. Comparitively, 62 percent said the same of staying in a hotel.

This study coincides with a 2021 study Psychology Today reported on which found kids’ screen time increased by 4.8 hours per day during the initial COVID-19 lockdown. It also noted that three months after the initial lockdown, 37 percent of kids were still spending most of their awake time in front of their devices.