Bored? Think Beyond the Screen

When you’ve got nothing to do and no one to play with, you probably feel like going up to someone and telling them how bored you are. Next time you find yourself about to say this, stop yourself, and think about the following:

Being bored is a privilege. It used to be that only the extremely wealthy could afford to be bored because they were not working. But in modern times, we don’t like being bored if we get the chance. So don’t take boredom as a bad thing; instead, treat it as a chance to relax in the midst of a busy life.

Today, many kids have tons of activities after school and during the summer. Some go straight from soccer practice to swimming to piano to dinner to basketball. You should feel lucky that you have time to be bored! 

Still want something to do? There are lots of activities you can try—and they won’t annoy the grown-ups around you!

First, Unplug

Watching TV, playing video games or browsing the Internet are common ways for people to spend free time. Some shows and games can teach us about the world, show us an interesting story or make us laugh. It’s normal to browse videos or play games from time to time, but most people spend too much time in front of a screen. 

If you’re like the average American, odds are you should cut back on your screen time. Recent research shows that children ages 2 to 5 spend more than 32 hours per week watching a screen. On average, kids age 8 to 18 spend 4.5 hours per day using screens of various kinds (including TV, cellphones, computers, tablets and video games).

Here’s how to cut down.

• Set a limit on daily screen time.
• Rather than browsing, plan what programs you want to watch.
• Record your favorite shows instead of watching them that day.
• Start a list of things that you’d like to do during your free time, and add new activities whenever you think of any. Post the list near your devices. When you feel like watching TV or logging online, check your list first to see if there is something that you would rather do instead.

What to Do

• Read a book. Find a quiet space where no one will bother you and settle down with a good book. It can keep you busy for hours.
• Instead of texting, talk on the phone. Call up your best friend or a favorite relative to see what’s going on in their life.
• Go outside. Sitting inside all day can be no fun. Ask a grown-up if you can go outside to run around, ride a bike, draw with chalk on the sidewalk or other fun activities. If you’re friends with other kids in your neighborhood, see if they want to join you.
• Play sports. Whether you’re on a team or by yourself, sports are a great way to focus your energy.
• Cook for your family. Look through cookbooks or recipe websites and pick out a favorite dish or two. Surprise someone in your family with cookies or a special meal just for them… maybe they’ll even return the favor one day! Make sure to ask an older sibling or grown-up to help you in the kitchen.
• Instead of telling your parents you’re bored, ask if they want to go out and spend time with you. They will feel appreciated!
• Invite your friend over. Everything is less boring when you’re with another person. Your family doesn’t have to entertain you and spending time with friends is fun.

Of course, before you do anything of these things, make sure all of your homework is done and that there is no way you could get ahead in your homework. Do tomorrow night’s math homework now if you can, so you have more time to relax later. 

Being bored doesn’t have to be boring. If you look at it the right way, it can be a lot of fun!

Youth reviewer: Lillian Fong

Reviewed by: Jen Hawkins, MPH

Last reviewed: June 2019