Submitted by Allison Behnke, HKYFS
(February 25, 2025) — Haddam-Killingworth Intermediate and Middle School students are invited to participate in a fun poster contest designed to raise awareness about the Global Day of Unplugging, which is recognized from sunset on March 7, 2025 to sunset on March 8, 2025.
The Global Day of Unplugging is a twenty-four hour period for people of all ages to make a concentrated effort to unplug from screens, smartphones, social media, video games and any other device. It is an opportunity to connect with friends, family, community, and yourself, in activities that matter to you.
Why Should I Unplug, Anyway?
The average American spends more than seven hours looking at a screen every day. That’s 106 days a year. (datareportal.com, June 2021). The Common Sense Census (2020) reports that teens spend seven hours and twenty-two minutes on screens, not including school or homework. This number has been rising drastically since 2015.
People of all ages (this isn’t just a kid issue!) are increasingly missing out on important moments, experiences and skills, as our noses are buried in devices. Many of us share every special moment and move on social media, but shield ourselves from the outside world in real time. If you recognize that in yourself–or in your family and friends–join the movement of unplugging from devices to reinvest more time into connection.
You might consider celebrating a full twenty-four hours of being unplugged from devices in a variety of ways. Cook tech-free meals by turning off the TV, computers and video games and getting dirty in the kitchen to try new and creative recipes. Check out one of the many trails offered in our beautiful Haddam and Killingworth communities, or drive down to the shoreline to visit the beach as winter transitions to spring. A wonderful resource for learning more about the Global Day of Unplugging and a variety of creative activities is the website www.globaldayofunplugging.org.
Author Anne Lamott writes, “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” Haddam-Killingworth Youth and Family Services and Regional School District 17 hope that this fun opportunity (and potential to win a prize!) will encourage our students and their families to take a break from technology and gain appreciation for the role that it plays in everyday life.
Any student in Grade 4-8 can create an artistic poster showing an “unplugged” activity that can be done with friends or family. “Unplugged” is an activity that does not include screens or phones. These posters can be dropped off at HKIMS in the HKYFS box on Main Street or email HKYFS at info@hkyfs.org to arrange drop-off. Three lucky participants will win a $25.00 Visa Card.
HKYFS hopes that the Haddam-Killingworth community will celebrate Global Unplugged Day as a stepping stone to encouraging a more play-based childhood, waiting longer for devices, and engaging together as family, friends, and community. Resources and information can be found at www.hkyfs.org
[…] The average American spends more than seven hours looking at a screen every day. That’s 106 days a year. (datareportal.com, June 2021). The Common Sense Census (2020) reports that teens spend seven hours and twenty-two minutes on screens, not including school or homework. This number has been rising drastically since 2015. Read More Here. […]