Reclaiming Childhood Through Creativity
Thimphu, Bhutan | Reclaiming Childhood Through Creativity - Pada Art Studio | 2025
Kuzuzangpo la!
We are Pada Art Studio, a collective of young artists who believe that creativity can reclaim what screens have stolen from childhood. In 2025, we launched the Digital Detox Art Campaign to combat the rising crisis of excessive screen time and its impact on children's mental health in Thimphu.
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22 to 28 years old
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The Right-Sized Problem
Emerging trends of excessive screentime and associated mental health issues among children and young people are growing rapidly in Thimphu. As mobile phones, TVs, and iPads become the new norm, classic toys like teddy bears and toy cars are losing their appeal. The captivating glow of a screen is replacing the developmental benefits of hands-on play, leaving children vulnerable to speech delays, social interaction difficulties, and mental health challenges that will follow them into adulthood.
Our Brighter Future
We imagine a future where every child is grounded with balance in the online and offline world. Families understand that creativity isn't a luxury but a necessity for healthy development. Parents feel empowered to set boundaries around screen time, children rediscover the joy of making things with their hands, and communities recognise art as essential medicine for digital-age childhoods.
What We Did
We created a device-free sanctuary where children could remember what it feels like to collaborate, imagine, and create without a screen in sight.
Offline Impact
3-Day Digital Detox Art Camp Conducted an intensive workshop at JDW Public Library where 139 children spent three full days without digital devices, learning drawing fundamentals, watercolor painting, and clay modeling while exploring digital wellbeing concepts.
Parent Sensitization Sessions Engaged 16 parents and caregivers on Day 3, educating them about the developmental impacts of excessive screen time and teaching practical tips for mindful digital device use at home.
Infographic Campaign Artist volunteers developed 4 infographic designs on healthy screen time tips, distributing over 500 across strategic locations in Thimphu to create city-wide awareness.
Partnership with Public Library Established collaboration with JDW Public Library, creating a sustainable venue for future digital detox programming.
Online & Media Impact
National Media Coverage Gained coverage from 4 national media houses including Kuensel, Bhutan Broadcasting Service, The Bhutanese, and Bhutan Today, amplifying our message across the country
Campaign Impact
139 children engaged actively in a 3-day device-free art camp
16 parents and caregivers sensitized on screen time impacts and safe digital habits
500+ infographics distributed across Thimphu on healthy screen timing
4 national media outlets covered the campaign
Partnership established with Jigme Dorji Wangchuck Public Library for sustained programming
"Usually, my weekends are spent on screens or doing things alone. But here, I got to collaborate, share ideas, and learn from people my age. That made it even more enjoyable."
~ A Child Participant
“I learned a lot about digital literacy and the pros and cons of phone use. I learned more about art here, which I would really like to learn more about. So I think it is important for all ages of people, especially young people like me, to participate in these types of events."
~ Chimmy Nealza Doelkar, a young participant
The campaign's success extended beyond immediate participants. As reported by The Bhutanese, the community understood our balanced approach: "The organisers said the goal was not to cut people off from the digital world, but to help them strike a healthier balance." Participants expressed genuine understanding of healthy screen timing and felt motivated to practice immediately at home, while gaining awareness about the importance of creative offline activities.
Follow our journey:
📍 Instagram: PadaStudioBt
This story was lovingly curated by the SHIFT team with the help of Claude (Anthropic) based on submitted source materials from our Fun Adults and Shifters.
