In Leeds, the ‘Disconnect to Reconnect’ initiative is encouraging students to put down their screens from October 21-25 and rediscover the joys of real-world connections. This citywide campaign, backed by the Leeds City Council and health experts, aims to improve digital well-being by promoting healthier habits among young people.
What is the ‘Disconnect to Reconnect’ initiative in Leeds schools?
The ‘Disconnect to Reconnect’ initiative is a campaign in Leeds schools that encourages students to reduce their screen time and engage with the world around them. It aims to promote digital well-being and balance technology use with activities that support mental and physical health. The initiative includes activities and resources for mindful device usage.
Addressing Screen Time in Education
Leeds schools are rallying behind a new initiative aimed at promoting digital well-being among young people. The ‘Disconnect to Reconnect’ week is a citywide effort to encourage students to step away from their screens and engage more with the world around them. The campaign, set for October 21-25, follows concerning data that shows a significant portion of students report high screen usage. According to the latest ‘My Health My School’ survey, 54% of pupils in years five and six, along with a staggering 77% in secondary schools, are spending two or more hours daily on digital devices, with the figures climbing higher in post-16 settings.
The Leeds City Council, together with health and education professionals, is challenging both primary and secondary schools to join this campaign. Encouraging a balanced approach to technology, the initiative aims to mitigate the impact of excessive screen time on young people’s mental and physical well-being. A pilot run in March saw the participation of over 5,000 students from 13 Leeds schools, indicating a strong community commitment to fostering healthier digital habits.
Activities and resources will be available to guide students and their families towards mindful device use. Dr Charlotte Armitage, a Leeds-based psychologist and the founder of ‘No Phones At Home Day’, has collaborated with the council to shape this campaign. The aim is to broaden the discussion beyond the content consumed online to the effects of screen time on overall well-being.
Pioneering Schools and Positive Impact
One exemplary school, Manor Wood Primary, located in Moortown, embraced the campaign during its pilot phase. Becky Hayes, a teacher at the school, shared her observations on the importance of awareness around screen time, especially for primary-aged children. The school’s activities during the initiative led to overwhelming positive feedback from both students and parents. The young participants found joy in exploring alternatives to screen-based entertainment, such as outdoor adventures and board games, which also encouraged family bonding.
The campaign didn’t just resonate with the children; it provided a chance for adults to reflect on their digital habits. Councillor Helen Hayden, the council’s executive member for children and families, emphasized the importance of smart device moderation for all ages. The initiative underscores the city’s dedication to the well-being of its students and offers a carefully curated program for schools to partake in. It’s not just about reduction but making informed choices and fostering mindful engagement with technology.
Future Prospects and Involvement
Leeds City Council is determined to sustain and expand the ‘Disconnect to Reconnect’ initiative with more weeks planned for the academic year. With the objective of enrolling more schools, the council envisions an ongoing dialogue about digital use and its implications. Dr Armitage commented on the profound impact the pilot week had on participants, highlighting the sense of presence and engagement experienced with reduced screen time.
Interested schools and individuals seeking to learn more about the upcoming ‘Disconnect to Reconnect’ week can gather further details from the Leeds For Learning website. Additionally, those looking to support the broader mission can visit ‘No Phones At Home Day’ online. As the initiative gains momentum, the potential for a citywide shift in device usage habits grows, promising a future where screen time is balanced with the necessary human connections and experiences.
For comprehensive information on how to get involved with ‘Disconnect to Reconnect’ week, please refer to the following resources:
For any media inquiries, contact Leeds City Council communications and marketing:
- Email: communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk
- Telephone: 0113 378 6007
ENDS
- The ‘Disconnect to Reconnect’ initiative in Leeds encourages students to reduce screen time and engage with real-world connections from October 21-25.
- Supported by the Leeds City Council and health experts, the campaign aims to enhance digital well-being and promote healthier habits among young people.
- A pilot run of the initiative in March involved over 5,000 students from 13 schools, reflecting strong community support for healthier digital habits.
- Activities during the initiative fostered positive feedback, with children exploring alternatives to screen-based entertainment, enhancing family bonding.
- Leeds City Council plans to expand the initiative, aiming for ongoing discussions about digital use and its impact on overall well-being in future academic years.