I rarely pay attention to my screen time stats, but when I randomly checked them a couple of months ago, I was shocked by what my iPhone told me. Nine hours a day?! That can’t be right.
Then I dug deeper and saw what the real trends were. I hardly listen to the radio anymore after years of just sports talk and CNN. Now I always have a podcast rolling when my wheels are. So that’s a couple hours a day. Oddly, my phone said I averaged six hours a day looking at the clock app. I have a watch, and since I sit in front of a computer screen most of the time, there’s always a clock within my peripheral vision.
Oh, wait. When I set my phone on my bedside charger at night, it automatically switches into digital clock mode. That makes sense, and also lets you know how little I sleep. I like to tell people that I’m 60, but I’ve been awake longer than most 80-year-olds.
So I was intrigued when I learned about a new collaboration between The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden in East Nashville and Phreedom Foundation, an organization that works to alleviate the negative attitudes and agitation associated with screen time. Founded in 2019 by Dr. Nidhi Gupta, the Phreedom Foundation doesn’t want to eliminate smart tech completely, but rather take back the time and attention that we give to our phones.
To that end, on Wednesday, May 27, from 5 until 9 p.m., The Pharmacy and Phreedom Foundation are hosting a digital distraction-free dinner for families with children under 18. Participating families will receive a phone-free pouch courtesy of the Phreedom Foundation that they can take home for future use. If everybody lasts the whole meal without giving in to the digital siren call, they’ll be rewarded with free ice cream at the end of dinner.
Take the time to catch up with the family while enjoying a burger or a wurst or two. Doesn’t that sound delightful? Walk-ins are always welcome at the Pharmacy, but you might want to make a reservation if you’re bringing the whole family.
