Taiwanese charity camp offers 'digital detox' for underprivileged children

In an effort to combat excessive screen time, the Miaoli County Home for Families is organizing a "digital detox" challenge camp for 60 underprivileged children. The two-day event, held in Hsinchu County, aims to encourage young participants to step away from their devices and engage with the outdoors.

The camp, themed "Exploring the Forest, Discovering Light and Shadow," integrates social-emotional learning (SEL) and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Activities include forest exploration missions designed to foster empathy and teamwork, followed by challenging mountain activities like rope courses and rappelling to help children overcome fears with peer support.

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Super excited to make new friends and complete all the missions!

One participant, a soon-to-be fourth-grader named Xiao Ting from a single-parent household, expressed excitement about the camp. Previously, his summer holidays were spent at home with his mobile phone due to limited resources. This camp marks a significant step for him, offering a chance to make new friends and build confidence outside his comfort zone.

Cai Qing-min, director of the Miaoli Home for Families, highlighted the impact of digital ubiquity on children's social interaction and exploration. He hopes the camp will help children disconnect from screens, reconnect with themselves and others, and reduce the educational resource gap, aligning with the SDG's goal of reducing inequalities.

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Digital ubiquity has reduced children's opportunities for real interaction and exploration of life. We hope that through the camp, children can put down their 3C devices, walk into the crowd, and re-understand themselves.