Does anyone else cringe at the weekly message they receive from their IPhone? For those with androids, consider yourself spared. Each Sunday, at some point in the afternoon, a message is displayed that tells how much time that week, on average, their owner has spent on the device.

 Do the results bring you shame or if your screen time is down, a cause for celebration perhaps?

There seems to be increased focus on the younger generations, who yes, at times seem attached to their phones at the hip.

It’s not just them though, if you spend some time people watching at any restaurant, mall or community function, and you will see many adults and senior citizens immersed in their devices.

But staying on the topic of youth, one thing that is apparent, at least in our eyes, is that more fresh air is needed.

Many of us can remember being at home, before cell phones and high-speed internet reached its peak in popularity ... yes even those of us under 40 can recall the days.

If kids were bored or in need of entertainment they went outside. Backyard basketball nets turned into the scene of the NBA Finals .... a broom turned into a Star Wars light saber. The imagination ran wild and the fresh air and physical activity wasn’t so bad either.

Here in the Sullivan Catskills, much time spent outdoors was occupied by hunting trips with family and friends. While there are still young people participating in these outdoor activities thanks to organizations like the Sullivan County Conservation Club, Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, Sullivan County Long Beards, we can’t help but notice that it doesn’t quite feel the same.

It does bring a smile to our face when we hear about kids taking part in archery, trap shooting and mountain biking. 

When scrolling through TikTok and Snapchat one forgets that we live in a place full of beautiful trails and natural wonders.

There are an abundance of opportunities to get outside, even in the winter, with snowshoeing, ice fishing and skiing. 

If you notice a special young person in your life that’s spending a little bit too much time on their devices, sign them up for a sport, bring them to a local parks and recreation events or see if they’ll join a local club and/or organization based in the beautiful outdoors.

Fresh air and some exercise can do a lot for the mind, and ultimately, these moments outdoors and trying new things will yield many more rewards than a phone will.