Go screen-free for spring

Many people have heard of Meat Free Monday, which encourages people to go veggie for the day, or Dry July, which raises money for cancer support services, but a new initiative is asking people to stay away from screens and reconnect with nature and each other.

Spring Screen Break, which runs from September 20 to September 27, is a wellbeing initiative encouraging families, schools and workplaces to take a break from screens and rediscover real-life connection, play and the great outdoors.

Founded by New Zealand mental health and wellbeing practitioner Vanessa McHardy, and held for the first time last year, the campaign aims to spark a global movement towards healthier technology use. Organisers say it draws on the latest evidence about the impacts of smartphones, social media and educational technology in schools. Participants are encouraged to switch to a basic ‘dumb phone’ that only allows calls and texts during the campaign, delete distracting apps and let others know they are taking part.

“Life is precious, yet modern life sees us consumed by scrolling, constantly stimulated and distracted, and that doesn’t feel congruent with the idea that life is precious. This is about giving people permission to take back their lives and live them on their own terms,” McHardy says.

Instead of spending time scrolling, McHardy hopes people will use the break to spend time in nature, play, be creative and connect with others.

To take part in Spring Screen Break, individuals, schools, workplaces and community groups can sign up for free at springscreenbreak.com to receive daily prompts and downloadable resources.