A Danish family has eliminated screens from their daily life, leading to improved family interactions and personal well-being. Josefine Biehe Olsen, a mother of three, decided to remove screens, including the family TV and smartphones, a year ago, and describes it as “the best decision ever.”

The family, previously reliant on screens for entertainment and distraction, experienced constant conflicts and a feeling of lacking time. Since implementing the screen ban, they have found greater presence, improved conversations, and more time for play. Olsen notes that previously, attempts to limit her children’s screen time resulted in anger and discomfort, whereas now, they have adapted and found alternative activities like coloring and reading.

Olsen emphasizes the importance of acknowledging children’s initial frustrations and helping them find alternative activities. While acknowledging that conflicts are still part of family life, she believes they are now handled more consciously, without resorting to screens as a quick fix. The change has also positively impacted her relationship with her husband, allowing for deeper conversations and connection.

Olsen also reports reading more than 16 books in the past year, a significant increase from her pre-screen ban reading habits. While aware that their decision may provoke some, Olsen insists that a screen-free life has significantly improved their everyday life and encourages other families to consider making similar changes.

Olsen acknowledges that adjusting to a screen-free life in a society where smartphone use is prevalent can be challenging. As her eldest daughter prepares to start school, the family will maintain their no-mobile-phone policy, although Olsen is open to the possibility of a “dumbphone” in the future for calls and texts. She hopes that the values instilled at home will guide her children in finding a healthy balance with technology as they grow older.

Olsen encourages parents considering reducing screen time to identify what they want to replace it with, and suggests starting with small changes, such as setting aside screen-free hours each evening or temporarily removing the TV. As a teacher, she has seen the prevalence of screen use in children’s lives and wants to take a stand against it. For her family, the key to success has been the parents leading by example, limiting their own screen time as well.