17 May Bear Grylls leads calls for less screen time to combat poor mental health
TV presenter and adventurer, Bear Grylls has urged teens and young adults to seek out less screen time in an attempt to help ease depression and anxiety in line with Mental Health Awareness Week (15th – 21st May).
Mental health charity Mind reports that 16 – 24-year-olds in the UK suffering from depression or anxiety is on the rise, with 96% of those surveyed stating mental health had affected their schoolwork1.
Ever-increasing daily screen time has been cited as the cause of several adverse effects on physical and mental or psychological health, with constant exposure to devices such as smartphones, computers and television a leading factor.
The ultimate activity centre, The Bear Grylls Adventure, located in Birmingham, operates a no phone policy when guests are participating in activities, and the face of the attraction, Bear Grylls himself, hopes the policy can lead to reduced screen time within young people.
The attraction is home to an array of exciting experiences which themselves can help to improve mental wellbeing. Guests can concur a fear of heights by enjoying Europe’s tallest high ropes, release stress with the exhilaration of the iFly tunnel or by axe throwing and even come face to fin with sharks at the attractions very own shark snorkelling experience.
Adventurer, Bear Grylls said: “Tackling mental health and raising awareness for issues such as anxiety and depression is important in today’s society. This challenge of building strong mental resilience is made harder for young people with ever increasing screen time. This has been proved to cause a decline in mental health.
“I have found taking part in simple tasks such as going for a walk or working out or taking on a new challenge with friends really helps my mental health. This is why our adventure centre in Birmingham is proving so popular with young people.
“It is home to a whole array of challenging fun activities, from axe throwing, high ropes, rock climbing and even shark diving. The goal is together to build strong mental as well as physical resilience for the challenges of life.”
Lee Phillips, General Manager at The Bear Grylls Adventure, said: “When guests arrive at The Bear Grylls Adventure, they are asked to put their phones away in a locker, encouraging them to take on the challenges wholeheartedly, while interacting with staff, family and friends to give themselves a rest from looking down at their screens.
“Not only is this a health and safety requirement, but it also allows guest to fully immerse themselves into the experience and have fun challenging themselves to take on the daring activities.”
If you’re struggling with your mental health, visit the NHS website for advice or call the mental health helpline: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/
To book a visit to The Bear Grylls Adventure and take on the 11 activities the site has to offer, please visit: https://www.beargryllsadventure.com/
