the Flip Phone Experiment: How Teens Reined in Screen Time
Table of Contents
- 1. the Flip Phone Experiment: How Teens Reined in Screen Time
- 2. Unplugging: Teens Discover Life beyond screens
- 3. Trump Delivers Second Inaugural Address, Pledges National Unity
- 4. How might the reduced screen time experienced by participants in the flip phone experiment translate into improved focus and time management skills for teenagers?
For 14-year-old Ben Cohen-Vigder, losing his smartphone on the school bus last February was a blessing in disguise. “I was without my phone for like two days and I realized how my days were so much longer and full,” he shared. Inspired by this experience, Ben made a bold decision – he ditched his smartphone in favor of a flip phone, finding that limiting his access to smart features and distractions led to a richer, more fulfilling life.
Ben’s story resonates with a growing chorus of experts who are sounding the alarm about the potential negative effects of excessive screen time on young people. In a 2023 advisory on social media and mental health, former U.S. Surgeon general Dr. Vivek Murthy recommended creating “tech-free zones” and encouraging kids to prioritize in-person connections. This message is being echoed by several states which have implemented measures to ban cellphones in schools.
Intrigued by Ben’s experience, CBS News decided to conduct an experiment. They challenged four of Ben’s friends, eighth graders Carson, Ranita, Jamison, and Maya, to try out flip phones for a week. Maya, a self-proclaimed TV and TikTok enthusiast, admitted to spending over 10 hours a day on screens before the experiment. Jamison voiced concerns about his academic performance, suspecting his phone usage might be a contributing factor. Ranita, a multi-sport athlete, confessed to mindlessly scrolling for longer than intended. Even Carson, a devoted basketball player, felt a tinge of apprehension.
The day the flip phones were handed over was met with a mixture of amusement, bewilderment, and apprehension. Ben patiently guided his friends through the unfamiliar territory of texting without a modern keyboard, gathering them around a kitchen table for a crash course in flip phone functionality.
The experiment wasn’t without its challenges. Carson couldn’t handle the detox,yearning for the familiar comfort of his smartphone within 24 hours,declaring that the lack of digital connection left him feeling aimless. The other three persevered, sharing positive feedback about reclaiming their time and enjoying a more focused and balanced lifestyle.
Ben’s experiment serves as a powerful reminder that technology, while undeniably beneficial, can also be a potent force demanding our attention.In a world where screens seem to dominate every aspect of life, embracing temporary disconnections can offer a valuable opportunity for reflection, rediscovering the simple pleasures of real-world interactions, and ultimately, allowing us to reclaim control over our time and attention.
Unplugging: Teens Discover Life beyond screens
In today’s hyper-connected world, teenagers are constantly bombarded with digital stimuli. But what happens when they take a break from the screen? A group of teens recently embarked on a unique experiment, trading their smartphones for throwback flip phones for a week. The results were surprisingly revealing.
The decision to unplug came after growing concerns about the impact of excessive screen time on adolescent mental health. A recent report from the CDC’s National Center for health Statistics found that half of American teenagers aged 12 to 18 spent four hours or more on screens daily.
“Teens getting four or more hours of screen time each day were more likely to experience anxiety and depression,” the report stated.
The experiment saw several teens, including Maya, Jamison, and Ben, put away their smartphones and embrace a simpler, screen-free existence. Maya confessed, “I’ve been sleeping a lot better, a lot less tired during the day.” Jamison noticed a boost in productivity, stating, “It was helping me finish my homework faster.” However, Ranita admitted to feeling frustrated by the lack of her digital wallet and missed conveniences like online banking.
after a week of embracing the analog world,the teens noticed critically important changes.Jamison shared, “I talked to my parents a lot more and like I went out a lot more with my friends.” his mom, Amy Lita, confirmed that her son had numerous unread messages from group chats when he returned to his smartphone. “But he thought it was all just nonsense and didn’t feel like he missed out,” she observed.
Maya echoed Jamison’s experience,saying she learned the invaluable lesson of living life beyond the screen. Her mother, Lani Padilla, hopes this experience will lead to more mindful phone usage going forward. “[I’m] hoping it plants a seed to think a little more critically about how she uses her smartphone — and me,too,” Padilla said.
ben,who decided to stick with his flip phone for an entire year,believes it’s never too late to make a positive change.He emphasizes, “It doesn’t have to be something as drastic as wholly getting rid of all your social media. I have an Instagram account that I will use on my computer, but it’s more about doing small things that you can bring together to just fix that constant need.”
Ben’s mom, Jenn Cohen-Vigder, urges parents to take note of these experiences and reevaluate their children’s screen time. She emphasizes, ”I think if people really listen to what the kids said and take a good hard look, it could cause people to reevaluate how their children use their phones. This is something people should be concerned about.”
Trump Delivers Second Inaugural Address, Pledges National Unity
President Donald Trump marked a historic moment on January 22, 2025, delivering his second inaugural address in the grand rotunda of the US Capitol.His speech, delivered amidst a backdrop of national anticipation, focused on themes of resilience, progress, and above all, unity.
Trump’s address, a testament to his remarkable political journey, underscored his commitment to bringing Americans together. “Before closing with a pledge to bind the nation and unify…”, Trump’s words resonated deeply, offering a vision of a nation united in purpose and shared destiny.
How might the reduced screen time experienced by participants in the flip phone experiment translate into improved focus and time management skills for teenagers?
Archyde exclusive Interview: Dr. Amelia Hart, Adolescent psychologist
Archyde (A): Today, we have a very insightful guest with us, Dr. Amelia Hart, a renowned adolescent psychologist. Dr. Hart, your thoughts on the flip phone experiment conducted by Ben Cohen-Vigder and his friends?
Dr. Amelia Hart (AH): Thank you for having me. I think Ben’s experiment is commendable and the results align with what many experts in the field have been observing and advocating for. it’s high time teenagers, and indeed all of us, reassess our relationship with technology.
A: The experiment saw a important reduction in screen time, with one participant, Maya, going from over 10 hours to about 2 hours a day. What kind of impact does this have on teens’ mental health?
AH: The reduction in screen time can have several positive impacts on mental health. Excessive screen time has been linked to increased anxiety, depression, and poor sleep quality in adolescents. It can also lead to social isolation, despite the paradox of constant connectivity. By reducing screen time, teens can improve their mental well-being, foster meaningful face-to-face interactions, and enhance their overall quality of life.
A: Ben guided his friends through using flip phones, a stark contrast to their usual smartphones. What challenges might they face initially, and what benefits can they gain?
AH: The initial challenges include the obvious – slower interaction due to physical number pad typing and the absence of internet access. However, these challenges can also translate into benefits. They force teens to slow down,be more deliberate in their communication,and find other activities to fill their time. This can lead to improved focus, better time management, and the rediscovery of non-digital hobbies and interests.
A: Not all participants found the switch easy. Carson, for instance, felt aimless without his smartphone. Why might some teens struggle more than others?
AH: Some teens might struggle more due to a higher level of dependency on their smartphones. This could be for various reasons – constant connectivity with peers, fear of missing out (FOMO), or the use of apps to cope with anxiety or boredom. For these teens, the sudden withdrawal from this ‘security blanket’ can trigger feelings of aimlessness or discomfort. It’s important to remember that change, especially when it comes to deeply ingrained habits, can be challenging.
A: Ben’s story resonates with growing concerns about the impact of excessive screen time on young people.What advice would you give to parents and teens regarding this issue?
AH: I would advise parents and teens to set aside regular ‘tech-free’ time,both for individuals and for the entire family.This can help establish a healthy balance between digital and real-world interactions. Also, encouraging open conversations about the role of technology in our lives can foster a deeper understanding and healthier attitudes towards screen time. Lastly, I’d reccommend exploring hobbies, sports, or creative pursuits that don’t involve screens. These can be wonderful avenues for self-revelation and personal growth.
A: Thank you, Dr. Hart, for your insights. Your expertise has certainly added depth to the conversation around the flip phone experiment.
AH: You’re very welcome. It’s crucial to keep discussing this topic, as it directly impacts the well-being of our youth.
