In honor of Screen Free Week May 5-11, UScellular is encouraging everyone to take a break from their devices and reset their relationship with technology. Screen Free Week is organized by the non-profit organization Fairplay and is an annual event that encourages people to take a break from screen-based entertainment.
Research from a December 2024 survey* commissioned by UScellular found that nearly 60 percent of youth feel they are on their smartphone too much, while nearly 50 percent of adults say they feel “free” after taking a break from tzheir devices, demonstrating a desire to create genuine real-life connections.
“At UScellular, we believe that technology should enhance our lives and not distract us from what matters most,” said Kyle Burbine, director of sales and operations at UScellular in New England. “Screen Free Week is a chance for us to be fully present with the people and moments that bring us joy. We hope everyone takes advantage of tools like US Mode and the Smarter Start Toolkit to establish healthier digital habits for themselves and embrace the power of real connection.”
To help make the most of Screen Free Week, UScellular is sharing practical and fun ways to unplug, reset and reconnect.
Pack it up, play it out. UScellular formed its Board of Connectors, a group of youth from Boys & Girls Clubs of America and children of UScellular employees, to get fresh insights on how families can build better tech habits. One idea they suggested was to create a DIY “phone box” to store devices during meals or family time in order to keep our screens out of sight and focus on each other.
Make time for meaningful moments. Whether it’s reminiscing over dinner, calling an old friend, hosting a game night, or trying a new recipe together, time away from screens opens the door for real, joyful connection. Be fully present and soak in those moments — no scrolling required.
Unplug together. Screen Free Week is the perfect time to build better tech habits as a family. Originally created in 2023, UScellular’s updated Smarter Start Resources now includes even more tools to help families navigate digital life together. Along with conversation starters and a customizable parent-child agreement, the toolkit now features a Quick Start Digital Health Guide, unplug-and-play Bingo cards, coloring sheets, a DIY phone box kit, and even a downloadable phone screen saver to inspire offline connection.
Turn on US Mode. For those that aren’t ready to disconnect from technology entirely, US Mode is a smart feature from UScellular that helps you find that balance. US Mode limits app time, silences non-essential notifications, and lets you schedule quiet hours so you can stay focused and in the moment – learn more about it here.
Get creative, your way. Stepping away from screens gives your mind room to wander and create. Pick up a paintbrush, dive into a DIY project, start a journal or lose yourself in a great book.
Go outside, move your body, find calm. Step into nature and breathe in the fresh air. Whether it’s a walk around the block, a bike ride, or spending time in the garden, movement and the outdoors are great antidotes to screen fatigue. For downtime, try meditation, yoga or simply lay out and enjoy the sunshine.
*Between Oct. 23–28, 2024, two surveys were commissioned by UScellular. The first survey includes a nationally representative sample of 1,000 online interviews of U.S. consumers between 18–41 years old by PureSpectrum. The second survey includes a sample of 70 online interviews of U.S. children between 13-18 years old by C+R Research Community Panel.
UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to help customers stay connected to the things that matter most. The Chicago-based carrier provides a strong, reliable network supported by the latest technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. Through its After School Access Project, the company has donated more than $30 million in hotspots and service to help youth connect to reliable internet. To learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, visit newsroom.uscellular.com.
