In celebration of Screen Free Week from May 6 to May 12, UScellular is championing the Phones Down for 5 Challenge, part of the UScellular “Built for US” initiative. This challenge encourages individuals to step away from technology for 5 days, 5 hours, or even just 5 minutes.
Screen Free Week, organized by the non-profit organization Fairplay, is an annual event urging people to detach from screen-based entertainment.
While smartphones are indispensable in our daily lives, a recent UScellular survey* revealed that nearly 75% of respondents spend at least an hour on social media daily, with 24% devoting 3-4 hours per day. About a third of respondents expressed a desire to deliberately disconnect from their phones, making Screen Free Week an ideal opportunity for individuals to take a breather from screens and recalibrate their relationship with technology.
In support of Screen Free Week, UScellular offers the following tips:
- Engage US Mode: Utilize US Mode, a feature designed by UScellular to enhance users’ control over their smartphones. US Mode enables setting time limits on social media apps, disabling non-essential push notifications, removing red notification bubbles, and establishing preset quiet times.
- Reconnect with Loved Ones: Share cherished memories with your partner, catch up with a long-lost friend over dinner, host a board game night with neighbors, or explore new culinary adventures with your family. Create memorable experiences that transcend screen time.
- Enhance Parental Oversight: Partnering with Bark, UScellular aids parents in managing their children’s digital activities. Bark enables monitoring of social media usage, regulation of screen time, and prevention of digital risks like cyberbullying and exposure to unsafe online content. Use code USCCARES at checkout for a complimentary one-month subscription.
- Embrace Creativity: Embrace artistic endeavors such as painting, drawing, or crafting jewelry and home décor. Engaging in creative pursuits fosters a sense of achievement and relaxation, enriching your unplugged experience.
- Unplug with Your Kids: Foster healthier digital habits with your children through UScellular and Screen Sanity’s Smarter Start Toolkit. This toolkit equips both parents and children with educational resources, actionable tips, and agreements to encourage mindful technology usage.
- Enjoy the Outdoors: Take advantage of Screen Free Week by immersing yourself in outdoor activities. Whether it’s a leisurely walk, invigorating bike ride, or refreshing swim, embrace the rejuvenating benefits of nature. Prioritize physical activities over screen time for a well-rounded self-care routine.
Let’s make the most of Screen Free Week by disconnecting from our devices and reconnecting with the world around us.
