Digital Detox for Kids: Resetting Screen Time Habits | Michael Jacobus

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We live in a world where the digital and real blur together. As a mom of three and a pediatric ophthalmologist, I see firsthand how technology shapes our children’s lives — their learning, their friendships, and, yes, their vision. But when the balance tips too far, the consequences reach beyond tired eyes.

That’s why I wanted to bring on Michael Jacobus, founder of Reset Summer Camp, a clinically designed tech detox camp for teens. With over 40 years in youth development, Michael has helped countless families navigate the modern epidemic of screen addiction — blending behavioral science with outdoor connection to help kids rediscover who they are beyond their devices.

What Screen Addiction Really Looks Like

“Addiction” sounds dramatic — but if you’ve ever had to call your teenager to dinner more than once because they’re glued to a screen, you already know how hard it can be to pull them away.

Michael explained that tech addiction doesn’t always look the same for every child. For boys, it often shows up through video games; for girls, it’s more likely social media. The red flags are easy to spot once you know them: staying up until 2 a.m., isolating from family, or becoming withdrawn and irritable when the Wi-Fi goes down.

As he told me, “By the time parents ask me if their child is addicted, they usually already know.”

I felt that deeply — because I see the difference in my own kids. My middle son loves gaming. He built his own computer, wears his headset proudly, and could spend hours immersed in another world. But he’s also on the water-polo team, helps around the house, and gets straight A’s. That’s not addiction; that’s balance. And it’s our job as parents to help our kids find that line.

Relearning Real-World Connection

Reset Summer Camp isn’t a punishment. It’s a four-week reset — literally.

When campers arrive, they hand over their phones and laptops. The first week is rough: no screens, no late-night gaming, no digital dopamine hits. But within days, Michael says, something shifts.

“After a week of good sleep, good food, and no screens, their anxiety drops, their energy comes back, and they start looking people in the eye again.”

It’s heartbreaking and hopeful all at once. Many teens have lost the ability to communicate face-to-face. At camp, they relearn how — through shared chores, meals, conversations, and something called ‘healthy boredom.’

That’s deliberate downtime where nothing is scheduled. No devices. Just the discomfort — and eventual creativity — that comes with being bored.

Teaching Life Skills Along the Way

What struck me most about Reset is that it’s not just about removing screens; it’s about replacing them with meaning.

Campers learn how to cook, manage finances, and think critically about what big tech actually wants from them (hint: not their happiness). They keep a financial-footprint journal, tallying up subscriptions, gaming expenses, and coffee runs — a real-world reminder that digital habits often come with a price tag.

By the end of the month, kids go home with not just more awareness, but a toolkit: sleep discipline, communication skills, and a new understanding of balance.

The Parents’ Role

Here’s the hard truth — and Michael doesn’t sugarcoat it.

“I can detox your kid, but I can’t fix them. Because I send them back home to where the problem started.”

Reset’s success depends on parents. Families go through workshops, behavioral contracts, and ongoing follow-ups. They learn how to model healthy tech habits — not scrolling at the dinner table, not sleeping next to their phones, and keeping communication open without judgment.

Michael shared something that stuck with me: if your teen is showing you their social media, don’t react. Just listen. Because once you judge, they’ll stop sharing.

Why Healthy Boredom Matters

I love Michael’s phrase “healthy boredom.”

In our home, I try to make space for it too. No screens at dinner. No phones in bedrooms. No charging devices overnight near beds. My kids signed a screen-time agreement when they were five — not as a set of rules I handed down, but as a family conversation about how we wanted tech to fit into our lives.

When kids are allowed to be bored, they get creative. They connect. They rest.

Finding Balance in a Digital World

Technology isn’t going anywhere — and that’s not necessarily bad. The key is balance. Sleep. Nutrition. Communication. Awareness.

As Michael said, “You can’t just ban phones in schools or unplug your Wi-Fi. You have to stay in daily communication with your kids — about what they’re doing, what they’re feeling, and what matters to them online.”

That’s what I hope families take away from this episode — that screen time doesn’t have to mean screen control. It can mean screen connection, when approached with intention.

If you want to learn more about Michael Jacobus and Reset Summer Camp, visit resetsummercamp.com or michaeljacobus.com.

Want to Learn More?

This is just the beginning. In upcoming episodes, we’ll explore:
-How screen time and digital habits are shaping our kids’ development
–The connection between vision and overall health
–What you need to know about common eye procedures like LASIK and cataract surgery
–Practical ways to advocate for your child’s visual needs

You can subscribe to my podcast, In Focus, anywhere you listen—or follow along on Instagram for updates and tips.

Watch this episode on Youtube right now!

Thanks for reading—and for doing what you can to protect your child’s vision, one step at a time.

– Dr. Rupa Wong
Pediatric Ophthalmologist | Surgeon | Mom of 3

This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network! Learn more about Pinnacle at learnatpinnacle.com