Author and poet Michelle Y. Burke, a professor in Stevens’ School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, is on a mission to reduce screen time amid a world of technological distraction.

Burke believes that the body and mind need significant and intentional blocks of time away from screens and cites handheld devices as a primary deterrent to that goal.

“Smartphones [are] designed to ding and beep and glow and vibrate and do all these things to draw our attention to them,” she says. “[They’re] designed to be with you all the time and interrupt your flow of thought.”

Burke shares steps to create and foster screen-free spaces.

1. Turn Off to Turn In

Many of us feel that each time a device makes noise, it must be answered. Burke believes that constant distractions disrupt downtime, and that simple tasks such as reading and studying become completely different experiences once distractions are removed. A willingness to leave devices at home is one way to turn off. Another approach is to read first thing in the morning instead of reaching for a device.

2. Set an Example

Creating screen-free environments for children and adults can take place simultaneously. Burke, along with other parents in her Washington Heights and Inwood (NYC) community, started a “Tweens Without Screens” WhatsApp group. Parents take turns hosting in-person meetups, and while tweens are engaged in knitting or free play, parents chat and build community. When you prescribe screen-free time for children, Burke advises to follow the same rules you’re setting for them.

3. Follow the Research

In her TEDx Talk, “Can Gen Z Reclaim the Art of Conversation?” Burke points to research showing that the presence of a smartphone, even if silenced, impairs one’s ability to pay attention. If you really want to be present and focused, research suggests that the best place for your phone is in another room. “Conversations should be had with the person next to you,” she says. “The issue isn’t the smartphone or social media, but what it’s replacing.”

4. Just Do It

Changing the culture in your household or neighborhood can start with one small step. Organize a screen-free hike, a screen-free crafting night or a phone-free museum trip. Spend an evening wandering around your hometown without your phone. Burke believes that kids (and adults) are sick of being tethered to their phones. “Just get the process started. Then do it again. Keep doing it. Eventually, other people will start following your lead.”

– Charles O’Brien