With mounting concern nationally about the epidemic of screen addiction in today’s digital age, and excessive device use contributing to anxiety, sleep issues, and social isolation not only among students, but throughout all segments of society, Newark High School last month explored the effects of screen overuse as part of students’ Monday Pride sessions.
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“As the line between our online and offline lives continues to blur, it's important to find a healthy balance,” said NHS Prevention Counselor Debra Mohat. “During March, students learned about the impact of excessive device use and strategies for managing screen time. As part of this initiative, students were challenged for the month to reduce their cell phone use and become more mindful of their screen habits.”
Many took part in the Cell Phone Challenge—a month-long effort to better understand just how much they rely on phones, especially for emotional comfort and social interaction.
“This challenge came from something we’ve all seen firsthand: students struggling to stay off their phones, even during class, lunch, or downtime with friends,” Mohat explained. “It's becoming clear that many feel uneasy when they’re not connected, like they’re missing out on something important. But, in reality, they might be missing out on something even more valuable _ real-life engagement and the chance to build meaningful social skills face-to-face.
“Phones offer constant entertainment, endless notifications, and quick validation through likes and comments,” she continued. “That kind of instant gratification makes it easy to get stuck in a loop of checking and rechecking, even when students know it’s distracting them. Over time, this constant connection can make it harder to focus on things like reading, studying, or just being present in the moment.
“The goal of the Cell Phone Challenge was to help students step back and reflect—to see how phone habits might be affecting their focus, relationships and overall well-being. In a world where screens are always within reach, learning how to balance our digital lives with real-life experiences is more important than ever.”
Students were also encouraged to take part in the “National Day of Unplugging” March 7th, a day focused on disconnecting from devices to reconnect with the world around them.
At the end of the month, students were encouraged to fill out a Cell Phone Challenge survey and return it to their PRIDE teachers. About 75 students participated.
“Some kids just checked boxes on the log, but many included comments,” Mohat said. “It was inspiring to see so many students reflect on their phone usage and share what they learned. Teachers’ support and encouragement clearly made a difference.”
Some of their comments follow:
"I realized I was spending 11 hours or more a day on my phone. My phone use is getting in the way of my dream to get good grades and go to college."
"A big accomplishment was that I was able to stay off my phone during lunch and dinner today."
"For once I'm not attached to a screen."
"I was able to keep my phone in my book bag all school day without checking it. This was really hard."
"I tried to stay off of Snapchat all day, but I couldn't keep myself from checking it."
"On Saturday, I actually left my phone at home when my family went out to eat and we talked."
"I was able to take a day off social media and I went outside and spent time in nature."
"I realized that I follow a lot of famous people on social media."
"At 10 p.m. every night I put my phone in a separate room to sleep."
"I listened to music on the bus, but I was able to stay off my phone all day."
"I was able to stay off social media at lunch."
"I left my phone in my sister's room to stay off it."
"I tried leaving my phone in sleep mode, so I didn't get notifications."
"I struggle with not being on my phone."
"I deleted Telegram and Pixilart."
"I stayed off my phone all day - just used FaceTime for a call from my dad."
"Only used my phone today if my parents' texted me."
Mohat said participants logged their experiences and were entered into a raffle for a snack basket. Congratulations to NHS junior Lucas Navarro who was the winner of the snack basket raffle!
“It was inspiring to see so many students reflect on their phone usage and share what they learned. Teachers’ support and encouragement clearly made a difference,” she said.