What Schools or Youth Communities Can Do for GDU or Any Time of The Year

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Dec 9

Global Day of Unplugging (GDU) is an awareness campaign that has been helping people of all ages get healthier with technology since 2009.

Every year, schools and youth groups around the world plan tech-free programs near Global Day of Unplugging which takes place the first weekend of March. You may also want to encourage unplugging for Mental Health Awareness month (May) or Mental Health Awareness week (October) or at other times of the year.

As an educator or someone working with youth, you can organize “unplugged” activities for the home, on campus, or in a neighboring park (during or after school). Check the list of schools that have joined the movement (below) and explore our list of 200+ fun ideas HERE and the list below for ideas.

Whether you are an educator, counselor, youth group, or parent support group you can celebrate GDU with one activity or a week FULL of activities!

Some ideas include:

Track your time unplugged - with these paper Tracker Sheets for Kids under age 10 or for All ages.
Plan an Unplug-A-Thon - turning minutes unplugged into a donation. We are partnering with GetMovin the FUNdraising experts trusted by schools. Contact GetMovin and tell them you want to support GDU at your school!
Show your Intention for GDU - students & staff can fill out and hold up the “I/We Unplug to___” signs. Download those HERE. You can share these on social media (yes we see the irony, but it is an awareness campaign) and tag @globaldayofunplugging.
Coordinate a Resolution - Ask your district for a Resolution like Roanoke Virginia where the entire district was encouraged to participate. Here is a SAMPLE RESOLUTION. Make a copy and then you can edit it for your District.
Ask your Mayor for a Proclamation - A group of students and/or parents can go to the Mayor or city council and ask them to make a proclamation to support GDU. Here is a SAMPLE PROCLAMATION you can edit.
Create a Display - make an oversized “We Unplug to” board or paper quilt for an activity/display. Or use a wall or window. Here are mini versions of our “We Unplug to__” signs which can work well in smaller spaces.
Create an “Unplug Inspo Garden” - have people write ways they like to unplug on paper flower petals and then turn this into a giant wall display of mindful flowers that are cheerful and optimistic!
Plan a movie screening - for students and families such as the Social Dilemma, Screenagers, Childhood 2.0 or IamGen Z. Many have accompanying classroom activities, materials or movie discussions. You can also share the New Zealand "Keep it Real" campaign PSA's that are funny but impactful or the 7 min Video from Kite Key Media that highlights Jonathon Haidt’s book The Anxious Generation. NOTE - Check that you choose age appropriate movies for your audience.
Start a Pen Pal habit - have students become pen pals with senior adults or students from another school. Check out our prompts so they can ask questions about what life was like before smartphones.
Have a “Guess Which Image is Real?” Quiz - post photos (or use a laptop) of Computer generated AI images along with real ones and let students see if they can guess which ones are fake. The New York Times has one you can try out HERE.
Have activity tables/booths - to encourage activities during lunch hour or for a special event. Incorporate vintage, hands-on activities that take some time and skill to master (think yoyo’s, rubik’s cube, origami, crochet, paper planes, hula hoops, hacky sack, flop balls). See if your city has any groups that would be willing to come teach yoyo or crochet basics.
Create Unplugged Vision Boards or Journals -create boards or journals with screen free activities students enjoy.
Coordinate a cross-age, peer mentoring program - Have older students "adopt" a middle school (a Middle School could adopt an elementary school) and go there to lead a fun unplugged activity for the students.
Have Art & Reflection activities - Have a GDU poster competition or have students reflect on the role social media plays in their lives. This can be a very powerful exercise.
Post Unplugged Inspo signs - around campus or at a park. Full size, 4 to a page or IG squares. A fun way to get a little education and inspiration sprinkled across campus.
Encourage balance in the home - students can help their families improve tech habits in their homes. Our suggested activity of decorating our Smartphone Nap-Sacks provides a great conversation starter. Includes a gift card students can fill in with screen free ideas they’d like to do with their family. Good for younger kids. Learn more HERE.
Have a Parent/Family Night - If your school has done some activities (like those above or others) throughout the week, showcase the highlights on the last night, along with some fun activity tables. Send them home with ideas to connect over the weekend.
Order Smartphone Nap-Sacks - Support the GDU awareness campaign by becoming an annual Community Member ($120 donation). With membership, your school will get: