It’s no big mystery or surprise: Students who participate in extracurricular activities statistically have better social, emotional and academic development than their peers.

That’s precisely why Spokane Public Schools has partnered with Launch NW to unveil the Engage In Real Life (IRL) initiative—an ambitious push to get every kid, every day, participating in real life activities.

We’re talking school clubs, sports, the performing arts – anything that presents an engaging alternative to spending time alone and isolated. It could be an athlete turning out for the cross country team, or a group of kids meeting after school in the library to play board games. If a student loves to sing, maybe choir is their calling, or they will try out for the fall musical. It could also be a kid volunteering and helping others in their community.

Whatever “it” is, it’s engaging in real life – away from the allure of the addictive smartphone screen.

“We need to raise the collective consciousness of the community that kids’ access and time on screen is harmful, and we need practical alternatives,” Superintendent Adam Swinyard shared with SPS administrators earlier this month.

kid with hula hoop

We’ve witnessed a steady increase in student disengagement, not just in our district but in schools across the country. School absences are up, and students are increasingly distracted by rings and pings from their devices.

The smartphone is a mighty foe in the quest for kids’ attention, and studies show kids spend upwards of five, six and seven hours a day on these devices. They ingest things on social media and streaming platforms that can negatively impact their social and emotional development— bullying, harassment, and violence, among others.

Opportunities to engage in physical activity and build community with friends and mentors are outstanding alternatives to these bleak pursuits.

“We're going to be looking at the data and we're going to see how many kids were engaged in activities and athletics and which kids weren't and we’re going to figure out how we reach out to those kids and build relationships with those kids,” said Dr. Swinyard.

kids cheering

Spokane Public Schools can’t do this alone. It’s going to take our entire community playing a role in getting kids off screens and involved in real life activities.

Bookmark EngageIRL.com to learn how activity providers can get involved in getting kids engaged.

Resources:

On Track Academy

Every Student, Every Day, Engaged in Real Life Activities