UScellular is continuing its commitment to encourage purposeful use of technology by inviting people to take a break from their devices for Global Day of Unplugging on March 7. The company is investing $150,000 to provide unplugged experiences for youth at Boys & Girls Clubs of America. UScellular also encourages everyone to go to uscellular.com/unplugging to share their participation in Global Day of Unplugging and help spread the word.

“While technology is a great tool to keep us connected to family and friends, too much screen time can be a distraction that takes us away from being present with those we love,” said Brandi McCune, director of sales and operations for UScellular in the Mid-Atlantic. “That’s why Global Day of Unplugging is an important reminder to inspire meaningful, in-person connecting with those in our lives who matter most.”

New research from a December 2024 survey* commissioned by UScellular found that 90% of parents say they monitor their kid’s phone usage, and 76% of youth say their parents think that they are on their phone too much. Children shared that their parents may not practice what they preach, with 63% of youth reporting their parents have ignored them when they are on their phone – while only 41% of adults admitted to this behavior.

UScellular encourages everyone to participate in Global Day of Unplugging and is sharing some simple tips to help make the experience both meaningful and refreshing.

Hide and Don’t Seek

When it comes to stepping away from screens, the “out of sight, out of mind” approach is often the easiest way to start. UScellular recently formed a Board of Connectors, made up of youth from Boys & Girls Clubs of America and children of UScellular employees, to get young people’s perspectives on how families can create better digital habits together. Based on their feedback, we are offering DIY instructions on how to create your own “phone box” to keep your family’s phones and devices out of sight during dinner, playtime, or family time. anyone wanting to create their own phone box, the company has provided DIY instructions at uscellular.com/BuiltForUs 

Reconnect with Loved Ones
While unplugging, use that time to share meaningful moments. Reminisce about your favorite memories with your partner or reconnect with an old friend over dinner. Host a game night with neighbors or cook a new recipe with your family. These moments are irreplaceable when you’re fully present, away from the digital noise.

Tap into Your Creativity
Disconnecting doesn’t mean being idle—use the opportunity to get creative! Whether it’s painting, drawing, crafting, or DIY home projects, any of these activities help you relax and while also feeling accomplished. Reading a book or journaling also provides a peaceful break from tech and nurtures your imagination.

Unplug with Your Kids
You can establish healthier digital habits by unplugging with your kids. Utilize tools like the Smarter Start Toolkit from UScellular and Screen Sanity, which offers tips, resources, and a customizable parent-child agreement for creating more balanced tech use at home.

Get Outside. Move. Relax.
Take a break from the screen and embrace nature. Go for a walk or bike ride or explore your local park to enjoy some fresh air. Outdoor activities like running, swimming, or shooting hoops are also great ways to stay active. For self-care, try substituting tech-heavy relaxation routines with things like yoga, meditation or simply soaking in the sun.

UScellular is also donating $10,000 to the Unplug Collaborative, the non-profit that organizes Global Day of Unplugging, to support their cause to make tech-free experiences meaningful and accessible. UScellular continues to lead the conversation around healthy digital habits through its “Built For US” campaign with the Phone’s Down for 5 Challenge, US Mode, Smarter Start Toolkit and recent partnerships with Alanis Morrisette, HARDY, Chase Rice and several collegiate athletes.

 For more information about UScellular’s efforts, visit uscellular.com/BuiltForUs.

About UScellular
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.

*Between October 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.