UScellular selects local youth in Maine for Board of Connectors to champion healthy digital habits on Global Day of Unplugging

BANGOR – UScellular is continuing its commitment to encourage purposeful use of technology by inviting people to take a break from their devices for Global Day of Unplugging on March 7. And to empower youth to have a voice in inspiring healthier digital habits, UScellular formed a Board of Connectors comprised of youth from Boys & Girls Clubs and children of UScellular associates. Ella from Maine, was one of nine youth selected from across the country, to meet with UScellular’s CEO and provide feedback, ideas and practical ways for families to unplug and play on Global Day of Unplugging and beyond. 

New research from a December 2024 survey commissioned by UScellular* revealed that youth often feel ignored when their parents demonstrate poor phone etiquette. In fact, 63 percent of youth said their parents have ignored them when they are on their phone – while only 41 percent of adults admitted to this behavior. The survey also found that 36 percent of youth would like to talk to their parents about their phone usage but may need guidance on how to bring it up.

The Board of Connectors’ first suggestion was to offer phone boxes for families to store their phones in while spending quality time together, encouraging stronger connections in real life. UScellular is donating 1,000 phone boxes to Boys & Girls Clubs to utilize in their community and has also provided DIY instructions at uscellular.com/BuiltForUs for anyone wanting to create their own phone box. 

“It’s been so much fun to be a member of UScellular’s Board of Connectors, and to meet other kids from across the country, like my new friend, Matilda, from Wisconsin,” said Ella. “We even had the chance to share our thoughts with LT who was very nice and promised to put our ideas into action.” 

Ella joined the Board of Connectors in January and met with UScellular CEO, Laurent “LT” Therivel, to share her ideas. She will be featured in social media videos over the next several months to highlight the need for healthy digital habits.

“UScellular is proud to keep our customers connected to what matters most,” said Kyle Burbine, director of sales and operations for UScellular in New England. “While our devices help us stay connected with friends and family, we also recognize that technology can sometimes be a distraction. We are so happy that Ella had an opportunity to contribute to our Board of Connectors and help inspire us all to have meaningful, in-person connections.” 

UScellular encourages everyone to participate in Global Day of Unplugging and is sharing some simple tips to help make the experience both meaningful and refreshing.

Hide and Don’t Seek

When it comes to stepping away from screens, the “out of sight, out of mind” approach is often the easiest way to start. UScellular recently formed a Board of Connectors, made up of youth from Boys & Girls Clubs of America and children of UScellular employees, to get young people’s perspectives on how families can create better digital habits together. Based on their feedback, we are offering DIY instructions on how to create your own “phone box” to keep your family’s phones and devices out of sight during dinner, playtime, or family time. anyone wanting to create their own phone box, the company has provided DIY instructions at uscellular.com/BuiltForUs

Reconnect with Loved Ones
While unplugging, use that time to share meaningful moments. Reminisce about your favorite memories with your partner or reconnect with an old friend over dinner. Host a game night with neighbors or cook a new recipe with your family. These moments are irreplaceable when you’re fully present, away from the digital noise.

Tap into Your Creativity
Disconnecting doesn’t mean being idle—use the opportunity to get creative! Whether it’s painting, drawing, crafting, or DIY home projects, any of these activities help you relax and while also feeling accomplished. Reading a book or journaling also provides a peaceful break from tech and nurtures your imagination.

Unplug with Your Kids
You can establish healthier digital habits by unplugging with your kids. Utilize tools like the Smarter Start Toolkit from UScellular and Screen Sanity, which offers tips, resources, and a customizable parent-child agreement for creating more balanced tech use at home. 

Get Outside. Move. Relax.
Take a break from the screen and embrace nature. Go for a walk or bike ride or explore your local park to enjoy some fresh air. Outdoor activities like running, swimming, or shooting hoops are also great ways to stay active. For self-care, try substituting tech-heavy relaxation routines with things like yoga, meditation or simply soaking in the sun.

UScellular is also donating $10,000 to the Unplug Collaborative, the non-profit that organizes Global Day of Unplugging, to support their cause to make tech-free experiences meaningful and accessible. UScellular continues to lead the conversation around healthy digital habits through its “Built For US”campaign with the Phone’s Down for 5 Challenge, US Mode, Smarter Start Toolkit and recent partnerships with Alanis Morrisette, HARDY, Chase Rice and several collegiate athletes. 

For more information about UScellular’s efforts, visit uscellular.com/BuiltForUs.

*Between Oct. 23–28, 2024, two surveys were commissioned by UScellular. The first survey includes a nationally representative sample of 1,000 online interviews of U.S. consumers between 18–41 years old by PureSpectrum. The second survey includes a sample of 70 online interviews of U.S. children between 13-18 years old by C+R Research Community Panel. 

UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to help customers stay connected to the things that matter most. The Chicago-based carrier provides a strong, reliable network supported by the latest technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. Through its After School Access Project, the company has donated more than $30 million in hotspots and service to help youth connect to reliable internet. To learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, visit newsroom.uscellular.com.