Ramadan ban against screens: The Kulin family in Eskilstun

In Eskilstuna, basketball coach Daniel Kulin and daughters choose Vega, 13, and Milla, 11, to refrain from screens – in sympathy with Muslims who fast under Ramadan.
The initiative was born when Daniel saw how young in his team opted out of training when they fasted from food.
– We thought: Why not test another type of fast, says Daniel.

Daniel Kulin experienced a concern in his basketball team for the big spring cup in Eskilstuna, where hundreds of teams participate every year. Some of the eleven -year -old players told them that they would not be able to train during the Ramadan because they were fasting. Daniel, who himself has contacts with Muslim culture both through the basket and private, suggested a different solution: fasting from screens.

– It was a way to keep them in training, but also a way to show that there are different types of fasting, he says in TV4’s after five.

When Daniel presented the idea to his players, it was met with both curiosity and some skepticism. Gradually, however, the interest grew and the Kulin family decided to do the same thing at home. The daughters Vega and Milla hooked on – although it felt annoying in the beginning.

Transforms Underecies into Opportunity

Vega says that the biggest challenge is the habit itself.

– You are so set to settle down with the mobile after school. But after a few days you realize that you can actually do something else, and over time it becomes easier, she says.

Milla agrees:

– My friends think it’s a little cool. They are a little surprised that I do.

– Some thought they would die if they tested to give up the phone. But when they actually did, it turned out really well, says Daniel.

Ramadan as guidance

The Kulin family is not Muslims, but sees Ramadan as a good time to challenge themselves. Daniel says that the distance from social media and screens gives the children find new activities and get better focus.

– Relaxing screens helps one discover everything else you can do, and we do it in solidarity with those who fast from food. We get a community in it even if we do not share religion, says Daniel.

Some longer permanent “technology detox” is not yet planned, but the family hopes that experience will give a more healthy screen balance in the future.

– We must see how much we miss the phones when Ramadan is over. But we also know that it is good for us to just be with each other, says Vega.