Unplugging: Do you know about the 24h PAUSE challenge for youth?

Every year, on the third Sunday of November, PAUSE invites teens and young adults to take on a 24-hour challenge related to their screen use. This unplugging event encourages youth to aim for a better digital balance in order to enhance their well-being.

Since the first 24h PAUSE challenge in 2019, nearly 25,000 teens and young adults have participated in this one-day unplugging event. Each participant can personalize their experience by choosing one of four challenges:

1. 24 hours without screens (phone, computer, tablet, console, TV) for leisure = the ULTIMATE challenge!
2. 24 hours without social media
3. 24 hours without video games (including phone games)
4. 24 hours without streaming (including YouTube)

12 benefits of unplugging for youth

PAUSE’s unplugging events are simple and non-competitive. Young people can enjoy many benefits from taking part, such as:

1. Reflecting on their screen use (e.g., the content or habits that are beneficial or harmful), leading to insights about the role of technology in their lives.
2. Being in the present moment and more aware of their surroundings, which improves overall well-being and reduces feelings of anxiety or overwhelm.
3. Allowing themselves to slow down and think about their needs.
4. Experiencing JOMO (Joy of Missing Out), the happiness of taking tech-free breaks.
5. Finding the time for screen-free activities they love, whether social, athletic, or cultural.
6. Taking a break from constant screen distractions (notifications, alerts, etc.), thereby increasing productivity and focus.
7. Reducing eye strain and headaches caused by digital fatigue.
8. Fostering creativity by allowing boredom to emerge.
9. Improving sleep quality.
10. Strengthening offline personal relationships.
11. Feeling a sense of control over their tech use, leading to self-empowerment and well-being.
12. Reconnecting in a more mindful and balanced way afterward… and enjoying these benefits long-term!

Disconnect to reconnect

PAUSE’s unplugging challenges can lead young people to a number of realizations. Among those who responded to the post-event survey following the 2023 edition and found the experience difficult, 64% realized they used screens out of habit and 37% didn’t think screens took up so much space in their lives.

The best part is that these realizations lead young people to want to adopt healthier digital habits. Among all survey respondents, 71% said they wanted to reduce their screen time and 55% wanted to connect less often out of habit. One survey participant shared the following:

“Step back from your screen”

This year, the 24h PAUSE challenge for youth will take place on Sunday, November 17, under the theme “Step back from your screen.” In addition to the national media campaign, many educational institutions (high schools, CEGEPs, universities, vocational training centres, etc.) across the province are promoting it in their communities.

We invite you to do the same by promoting the 24h PAUSE challenge in your circles. And why not participate yourself? A $1,000 prize is drawn each year among participants aged 12 to 35.

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