Digital Detox

BBC News School Report and BBC Radio 5 live have challenged more than 1,000 students to turn off their technology for a week-long "digital detox."

16:11 03 March 2016

BBC News School Report and BBC Radio 5 live have launched a week-long “digital detox” challenge encouraging pupils and some staff at Tarporley High School in Cheshire to stop using social medial or playing computer games starting 13:00GMT on Wednesday.

 

Believed to be the biggest-ever “digital detox” that involves young people, the experiment was launched amid growing concern on the amount of time children spend on gaming and social media.

 

During the challenge, participants will report back on their experiences. The school, on the other hand, will conduct a survey during the week to see how the participants are doing.

 

Those who are taking part will wear a special badge stating “I’m part of the pledge..” Should they decide to quit the challenge, they will deposit their badge in a specially made clear plastic bag.

 

Ffion Eaton, assistant head teacher at Tarporley High School, said: "This pledge will certainly be a great challenge for the whole school community as technology is such an integral part of all of our lives.

 

"We are very excited about this opportunity to reflect on life without aspects of technology and will be particularly fascinated to see how students and staff will choose to spend their time."