Unplug to Connect™

Over the past decade, society has witnessed massive changes in the way media and technology intersect with the ways we live. Devices are more mobile, functional, and seemingly indispensable. Accordingly, we’ve integrated media and technology into more and more of our lives, bringing devices with us everywhere and depending on them for a range of school, work, and social functions. 

Youth are getting frustrated by how much time their friends and family members are communicating with others using their mobile devices. Today’s youth are sacrificing conversation for mere connection. At the dinner table, children compete with smart phones for their parents’ attention. When children turn to their on- screen devices instead of on another, the cost is high: a loss of empathy.  Click on this link to hear what teens have to say about the on-screen epidemic: Student Video

Among teens that have access to mobile technology on a daily bases, 50% described themselves as “addicted” to their devices. Fifty nine percent of parents feel their teens are addicted to their mobile devices. Sixty nine percent of parents check their mobile devices more than once and hour and seventy eight of teens do the same. Seventy seven percent of parents feel their teens get distracted by mobile technology and don’t pay attention when they are with their children. Forty one percent of teens feel their parents get distracted by mobile technology and don’t pay attention when they are together.  

Unplug to Connect™ (UTC™) is an innovative, direct-service program  designed to help children and youth manage their use of screen technologies, strengthen their social skills, and develop media literacy. Youth Speak Out International’s UTC™ gives youth and families strategies to self-regulate the time they spend using on-screen technology.

Promoting Social Change

How children use screen technologies is influenced by the habits and attitudes of their peers, family members, and local communities. Unplug to Connect’s innovative approach involves integrated activities at each of these three levels.Using evidence-based strategies, UTC engages children and their broader social environment to achieve lasting outcomes.

Starting with Children

Students work together in teams to create Public Service Announcement videos that educate the community about the impact of technology overuse. With each session, they learn healthy ways to use technology and manage screen time.

Engaging Families

Parents and other family members receive guidance and strategies for changing their technology habits at home and initiating more high-quality, face-to-face interactions. Provided to parents through the Unplug to Connect workshop, extension activities, and online resources, these strategies reduce family conflicts and promote empathy.

Enlisting the Community

At the UNPLUG to Connect™ Community Forum, brings the community together as students showcase their lessons learned and PSA videos. Community engagement helps to shift social norms, empowering children to change their screen habits for good.

Testimonials:

“Youth Speak Out International’s Digital Addiction Intervention program taught our youth, parents and staff members how to limit the time they spend using mobile technology. Our students produced short videos that gave solutions to the growing problem of the over use of on-screen technology.”
Community Based Organization, Executive Director, West Palm Beach, Florida, USA

“Our whole family signed your Family Media Agreement. We put it up on our refrigerator so we can see it every day. It helps us to limit our use of on-screen technology and to put our phones away at the dinner table.” Middle School Student, (13 years old) Lake Worth, Florida, USA 

“Youth Speak Out International’s program facilitators were well trained in giving our students and families affective strategies to self-regulate the time they spend communicating screen technologies. They made it fun to communicate face-to-face.”
After School Program Staff Member, Riviera Bch., Florida, USA

“Your program helped my mom and dad put down their cell phones and spend more time with me. It makes me happy to get outside without technology and play with my family at the park.” Elementary School Student, (11 years old) West Palm Beach, Florida, USA