By Jennifer Jahn
NKyTribune staff writer
It is widely known that excessive screen time, social media scrolling, and unregulated internet use can be harmful for teens. Efforts to address these concerns have stretched from individual households all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. While much of this battle has been led by adults, teens themselves are beginning to push back.
Their solution? Ditching digital fatigue and settling into what many are calling their “grandma era.”
What are “Granny Hobbies”?
The “grandma era,” or “granny hobbies,” is a term used to describe a return to slow-paced, hands-on activities. These hobbies emphasize delayed gratification, offer a sense of accomplishment, and often result in something tangible, an item to use, share, or enjoy.
Common examples include:
• Craft-based pastimes: quilting, crochet, knitting, needlepoint, and scrapbooking
• Culinary pursuits: canning and baking
• Group activities: book clubs and board games
• Outdoor interests: gardening and bird-watching.
At their core, these activities provide a meaningful break from the fast-paced digital world.
A digital path to analog living
Ironically, many teens discover these traditional hobbies through modern platforms. Social media influencers often showcase their creations, sparking interest among younger audiences.
Others are introduced through family members, passing skills down across generations.
Platforms like YouTube have also become a kind of modern apprenticeship system, allowing teens to learn directly from experienced creators at their own pace.
According to a 2023 study by the Pew Research Center, which surveyed nearly 1,500 teens ages 13 to 17, 72% reported feeling peaceful when they don’t have their smartphone. At the same time, 69% said their smartphone helps them pursue hobbies and interests, highlighting the complex relationship teens have with technology.
Turning hobbies into opportunities
For some teens, these hobbies go beyond casual pastimes and become something more substantial. With time and dedication, they can develop real expertise, sometimes even leading to entrepreneurial ventures or leadership roles.
One local example is Alex Walker of Burlington, whose daughter Lola began making friendship bracelets and turned the hobby into a small business, Lola’s Loops.
In Union, Paula Anderson’s son Magnus transformed his interest in bird-watching into a school club at Ryle High School, creating a space for peers to share in the activity.
Local places to explore
These hobbies don’t have to stay confined to the home. Northern Kentucky offers a variety of locations where teens can learn new skills, connect with others, and explore their interests:
• Boone County Arboretum (Union): A “living museum” featuring tree collections and paved walking trails, ideal for nature lovers,
• Doe Run Lake Park (Covington): A peaceful setting for hiking and fishing,
• Gunpowder Creek Nature Park (Florence): Accessible trails perfect for walking and bird-watching,
• Kenton County Library – Covington: STREAM & Makespace offers hands-on learning and creative opportunities,
• Kenton County Library – Erlanger: Teen Create encourages open-ended creativity with provided supplies,
• Kenton County Library – Latonia: Cookbook Swap allows participants to exchange recipes and ideas,
• Kenton County Library – Independence: Crochet for Beginners teaches foundational skills with materials included.
A slower, more intentional shift
The rise of “grandma era” hobbies suggests that today’s teens are not simply passive consumers of technology, they are actively seeking balance. By embracing slower, more intentional activities, they are rediscovering the value of patience, creativity, and real-world connection.
While screens are unlikely to disappear from daily life, this growing trend shows that many teens are learning how to step away, create something meaningful, and, in the process, reclaim a sense of calm in an increasingly fast-paced world.