{"id":52531,"date":"2025-04-12T11:23:59","date_gmt":"2025-04-12T10:23:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/looking-for-soccer.com\/?p=52531"},"modified":"2026-03-10T18:00:58","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T17:00:58","slug":"teenagers-activities-without-screens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/looking-for-soccer.com\/en-us\/teenagers-activities-without-screens\/","title":{"rendered":"Teen Activities: How to Help Your Child Thrive Without Screens"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Is your child inactive? Are you wondering how to suggest a positive and meaningful activity for your teenager?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then keep reading \u2014 because your role is<\/strong> CRUCIAL<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, according to a study conducted by the French Ministry of National Education, family influence plays a significant role in how teens spend their free time.
(Source \u2013 Barhoumi M., Caille J.-P., 2022, \u201cThe Six Ways Middle Schoolers Spend Their Free Time,\u201d<\/em> Information Note, No. 22.35, DEPP-INJEP.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, a family that values sports will naturally encourage a teen to engage in physical activity. A home filled with books will likely inspire a love for reading novels and essays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And teenagers have plenty of free time \u2014 especially during school breaks. When used wisely, this time helps them grow and develop. It\u2019s an opportunity to discover new interests, build new skills, and form social connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short, how your teen manages their free time will help shape their future identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, Looking-for-soccer<\/em> <\/a><\/strong>guides you step-by-step to help your teen find screen-free, fulfilling activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Managing Your Teen\u2019s Free Time: A Real Challenge for Parents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How can I make sure my teenager is using their free time wisely?
Sound familiar?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watching them sit for hours, glued to a screen, can be frustrating. Sometimes it feels like a plane could fly right over them and they wouldn\u2019t even notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yet there are so many fun and enriching things to do. Their lack of interest may confuse \u2014 or even worry \u2014 you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And your concern is valid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the official government website Sant\u00e9.fr:
\u201cBeing sedentary has negative effects on health that carry into adulthood.\u201d<\/strong>
It even recommends sitting or lying down for no more than two hours at a time<\/strong>, and spending no more than two hours a day<\/strong> in front of a screen.
(Source: Physical Activity for Teenagers<\/em> \u2013 Sant\u00e9.fr \u2013 January 2019.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These are serious risks for your growing child: obesity, weak bones, poor sleep\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But here\u2019s the truth: it\u2019s not their fault<\/strong>. Managing free time well is far from easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Digital media \u2014 social networks, video games, streaming platforms \u2014 are built to capture and hold attention. They\u2019re everywhere, all the time, constantly sending notifications and content. Breaking free from that grip is tough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Sylvain Bethenod, president of the marketing research company Vertigo Research:
\u201cNearly 40% of the free time of 15\u201324-year-olds is spent either chatting on social media or playing video games.\u201d<\/strong>
(Source: \u201cFrench people spend over 60% of their free time in front of screens,\u201d BFMTV, April 2022.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And let\u2019s not forget academic pressure. Teens may isolate themselves just to keep up with schoolwork, leaving less time for fun or social interaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Helping Your Teen Choose the Right Activity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Want your child to take part in a screen-free, extracurricular activity<\/strong>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start by being involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take the time to talk with them about their interests.
What do they enjoy doing in their free time?
What have they always wanted to try?
What are they passionate about?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ask open-ended questions that open the door to new experiences: sports, arts, music, crafts\u2026
Encourage them to explore activities that promote health and social interaction \u2014 but don\u2019t decide for them. When they feel ownership and independence, they\u2019re more likely to commit fully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, look into what options are available near you.
Are there local clubs or classes? Any trial sessions nearby?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By giving them a chance to try things out, you\u2019re helping them make an informed choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have they found something they love? Awesome.
Support them and show real interest in the activity. Just make sure it stays balanced \u2014 their new hobby should fit alongside healthy sleep, family time, schoolwork, and rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sports: A Teen Activity With Real Benefits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Of all the ways teens can spend their time, sports stand out as incredibly beneficial<\/strong> \u2014 and unfortunately, underused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The numbers from the World Health Organization (WHO) speak for themselves:
\u201cMore than 80% of school-aged adolescents \u2014 85% of girls and 78% of boys \u2014 do not meet the current recommendation of at least one hour of physical activity per day.\u201d<\/strong>
(Source: Study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sant\u00e9.fr also recommends that teens aged 12 to 17 get at least one hour of moderate to intense physical activity per day<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just one hour. That\u2019s all it takes to make a massive impact on your teen\u2019s well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their muscles and bones strengthen.
Their balance and endurance improve.
Their focus and cognitive abilities increase.
They learn the value of teamwork and mutual respect.
They become more responsible through decision-making and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And the risks linked to obesity (low self-esteem, poor sleep, depression\u2026) begin to fade away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Totally worth it, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soccer Camps: A Great Option for Your Teen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Does your teen love soccer ?
Then why not suggest a soccer camp<\/a><\/strong> during their school break?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soccer is a full-body workout. Players need to be fast, strong, agile, and coordinated \u2014 all while dribbling, scanning the field, and finding open teammates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are numerous soccer camps tailored to different levels and expectations of parents and their young children, whether they are passionate about soccer or wish to discover the sport:<\/p>\n\n\n\n