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

14 october 2025

Every 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 40,000 teens and young adults have participated in this one-day unplugging event. Each participant can personalize their experience by choosing one of four challenges:

24 hours without screens (phone, computer, tablet, console, TV) for leisure = the ULTIMATE challenge!
24 hours without social media
24 hours without video games (including phone games)
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:

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.
Being in the present moment and more aware of their surroundings, which improves overall well-being and reduces feelings of anxiety or overwhelm.
Allowing themselves to slow down and think about their needs.
Experiencing JOMO (Joy of Missing Out), the happiness of taking tech-free breaks, without worrying about what they might be missing.
Finding the time for screen-free activities they love, whether social, athletic, or cultural.
Taking a break from constant screen distractions (notifications, alerts, etc.), thereby increasing productivity and focus.
Reducing eye strain and headaches caused by digital fatigue.
Fostering creativity by allowing boredom to emerge.
Improving sleep quality.
Strengthening offline personal relationships.
Feeling a sense of control over their tech use, leading to self-empowerment and well-being.
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 2024 edition and found the experience difficult, 68% realized they used screens out of habit and 25% didn’t think screens took up so much space in their lives. These realizations also motivated many participants to improve their digital habits: among all survey respondents, 61% said they wanted to reduce their screen time, and 59% wanted to connect less often out of habit.

They enjoyed the 24h PAUSE experience

Recharging Through Disconnection

I found it satisfying not to be available, not to be able to immediately reply to those around me, and I wasn’t stressed at any point during the day. It was almost a relief. I really recommend this experience. I rediscovered myself and it allowed me to recharge my batteries.

A participant
Unplugging to reconnect with yourself

I’m so glad I went screen-free for 24 hours. I realized how much my screen use was contributing to fuelling a certain level of anxiety in me and causing me to neglect my needs (like going to bed exhausted!). I definitely need to rethink my habits!”

A participant
Rediscovering the joy of creating

This is a screen-free experience I need to do again! I was able to enjoy activities I wanted to do without being influenced by different advertisements on social media. I was also able to experience boredom, without being interrupted by notifications or tempted to escape through social media and content platforms. This helped me be more creative, which is something I don’t get to do anymore when I’m using screens!

A participant

“Step back from your screen”

This year, the 24h PAUSE challenge for youth will take place on Sunday, November 23, 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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