Unplugged Schools

Unplugged Schools is a K-12 network helping educators, students, and families bring digital well-being to life. We believe safety isn’t found in abstinence, but in modeled balance: co-creating screen-conscious rhythms, unplugged rituals, and intentional tools that work in schools, classrooms, and homes.

The challenges of phones and screen-based addiction are new. What’s not new is the power of humans coming together, building connection-driven joy, and meeting youth where they are.

Growing a generation of digital balance.

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PROGRAMMING

We help students, families, and schools co-create digital well-being practices that work for their community – bridging school, home, and student life, we foster collaboration, model healthy habits, and celebrate the joy of being present.

Primary School (K-8th)

For K-5th communities, programming focuses on foundational digital habits, early awareness, and play-based unplugging.

    • Classroom Gatherings: Short, structured unplugging activities where students explore mindfulness, attention, and digital balance through storytelling, games, or guided fun.

    • Visual Prompts & Templates: Pre-made, or student-created reminders that make taking intentional tech breaks fun and visible throughout the school.

    • Activity Menus & Inspiration: Hands-on, age-appropriate unplugged activities inspired by our school community’s successes, ready to try in class or at recess.

    • Parent Engagement: Simple take-home guides, family challenges, and conversation prompts to reinforce healthy digital habits at home.

    • Student Clubs: Lunchtime meetups or clubs run by students to explore digital balance and unplugged fun.

High School (9th-12th) + Higher Ed

For 6th-12th communities, programming is focused on student voices, autonomy, leadership, and self-regulation in a digital world.

    • Classroom Gatherings: Deeper discussions, workshops, or peer-led sessions about digital balance, mental wellbeing, and online habits.

    • Hallway Nap-Sacks & Visual Prompts: Visible cues to make accessible spaces for students to take purposeful breaks from screens.

    • Student-Led Clubs: Unplugged clubs where students organize gatherings, donation drives, peer discussions, or challenge campaigns to foster a culture of digital balance.

    • Parent Engagement: More sophisticated resources, family challenges, and conversation guides to support teens’ growing independence.

    • Admin Support & Coalition Calls: Strategy calls, templates, and school-to-school virtual gatherings to share best practices, successes, and challenges in implementing programs.

LOOK UP CHALLENGE

Calling all high school student leaders: it’s time to step up, get creative, and lead the way toward digital balance.

This school year, high school students across the U.S. are invited to take part in Global Day of Unplugging’s first-ever school LOOK UP CHALLENGE.

How It Works:
Form a team of 3-5 student leaders, choose a student-elected mentor (teacher, counselor, coach, etc.), get school permission, and design unplugged activities that bring your school community together.

The Challenge:
Spark a student-centric dialogue about digital well-being through creating fun, meaningful alternatives to screen time. Show your peers the joy of presence, and model for adults what true digital balance looks like.

Timeline:

  • November 2025-January 2026: Teams register, begin planning, & submit unplugged activities ideas.

  • February-April: Student-led unplugged activities take place.

  • March (optional): Run unplugged activities alongside the 17th Annual GDU, GDU 2026: March 6-7.

  • May: Winners announced & prizes awarded.

Resources You’ll Get:

  • Free downloadable unplugging guides, inspirations, and templates

  • Iconic Phone Nap-Sacks & strategy sessions with GDU experts (free with membership or available for purchase)

How to Participate & Win:
Enroll your school, get creative, meet the requirements, and host unplugged activities – by students, for students.

What’s In It for You?:

  • All Participating Schools: Flip the script, connect with new peers, feel like you’re in a 90s movie, and add a formal leadership certification to every participating student’s resumé.

  • Winning Schools: Stay tuned…our partners and sponsors will reveal top-secret prizes in January 2026.

Enrollment for the Challenge will open in November 2025!