Universal Screen-Time Reduction: A lifestyle for the 21st Century
A program of Center for SCREEN-TIME Awareness

GAME NIGHTS
An alternative to the screen that builds strong bonds between real people in real time

The Game Night programs are part of the Universal Screen-Time Reduction: A lifestyle for the 21st Century effort. There are four primary versions of Game Night, but a family, community, group of friends, or institution can organize Game Nights anyway they want, providing that they are games that do not require a screen. Game Nights, no matter how it is organized should aim for consistency in day of the week (or month), time, and if possible, location. This makes it possible for all participants to put it on their calendar and make it part of their life.

The break down of Game Nights is as follows:

Family Game Nights: A specific night each week when a family gathers together, turns off all electronic gadgets (including cell phones) and plays a board, card, or other non-electronic game. This is a great way to start a discussion between parents and children, build stronger bonds, and work as a team (for those games that offer team playing). Playing is a great way to bring down walls, open channels of communication, and have a good time. It is a perfect antidote to the pressured world in which we all live.

Community Game Nights: When a school, community center, library, or other organization organizes a game night and it is open to a wide array of people. These can be for children only, families, neighbors, or members of the same religious congregation. It is advisable, if you want success, to make it part of a monthly (or weekly) calendar of events, so people know when and where it is and what to expect.

The Neighborhood Living Room: There are many single adults, some who find it difficult to meet new people. Games are a great way to break down those walls and open us up to new and positive relationships outside of bars. A game night in a local coffee house, or family style restaurant is a comfortable place for adults of all ages to gather, share time together, make new friends, and not spend another night in front of a computer or television. Games often lead to laughter and that is an extraordinary way to start a new friendship.

Dinner and Games: This breaks down into two categories, the Family Dinner and Game Night, where after dinner, the table is cleared and the family pulls out a game for the night, combining two important activities for building stronger families; the shared dining and the playing of games. This combination is a win/win for everyone and really gives a family the time it needs to open up and share important information that otherwise might be kept secret. It is also a time to unwind.  The other category is what we call Potluck People Dinners, where participating restaurants have a night where strangers can meet and share a table for a price-fixed meal and then following the meal, play a board game, cards, or other non-electronic game either provided by the establishment or by the participants; or where friends gather at one person’s home and eat and play games together. Giving people a chance to get to know each other over a meal and then enjoy the evening together playing games.

Games are a great unifier and bond builder. This is important for families and communities; as well as organizations and businesses. People who play together work together and get through crisis together more successfully. Please join us in bringing this program into your life.