Disconnect to Reconnect – Written by Naomi (Year 10 Student, Horsforth School)
My Role
Hi, I am Naomi and now in Year 10 at Horsforth School. As a member of the school parliament, I created a video promoting disconnect to reconnect and offered alternatives to always having a screen in front of you. Hopefully, this made an impact on children since they were getting advice from someone their age rather than a teacher who may not fully understand students’ feelings.
What is Disconnect to Reconnect and why did we do it?
Disconnect to reconnect is a Leeds-wide initiative to promote reduced screen time and increase safety with technology so we can all be device wise. It is the idea of stepping away from digital devices and constant connectivity in order to reconnect with friends and family. The concept promotes mindfulness, deeper conversations and a healthier balance between technology and personal life.
We did this to encourage intentional breaks from screens such as phones, laptops and tablets to reduce stress, improve mental well-being and strengthen relationships. Our aims were to help young people understand that they can have fun without the need to be on a screen at all times.
Ultimately, Disconnect to Reconnect week helped individuals live more mindfully to cultivate deeper connections and find fulfillment beyond the digital world.
In 2025, according to the latest available data, teenagers spend an average of 7 hours 22 mins per day in front of screens. Of that approximately 5 hours per day are spent on social media.
Here are some alternatives to being on social media:
- Try a new hobby
- Play a board game
- Meet up with friends
- Go on a walk
- Read
Successes and Benefits
Successes
- Maintaining connections
- Long-distance relationships
- Capturing memories
- Sharing information
- Research/Homework
- First aid/role models
Benefits
- Increased sleep time
- Better quality sleep
- Increased time exercising
- Improved mood
- Improved attention span
- Completing homework more efficiently
- Feeling less overwhelmed
- Improve self-esteem and wellbeing
What we did as a school:
- Assemblies
- Parent Letter
- Social Media Posts
- Tutor Time Activities
- Break/Lunch Activities
Tips for reducing screen time
- Set screen time limits – teenagers can end up doom scrolling for hours at a time and screen times limits help with reminding us to take a break
- Monitor your screen time – try improve your screen time every day until it is a reasonable amount everyday
- Set targets – start with small targets then increase the time you aim to be away from your screen
- Avoid screens before bed – try reading or simply just relaxing to improve sleep quality
- Turn off non-essential notifications – Reduce distractions and the urge to check your phone
Taking time to disconnect isn’t about giving up technology – it’s about creating space to reconnect with ourselves, others and the world around us. Even small changes can make a big difference. So, unplug a little, be present and see how it positively impacts your life.
– Student from Horsforth School
About Wish 9
Wish 8: Children and young people have the support and information needed to make healthy choices. They have opportunities for regular physical activity.
Children and young people know about different opportunities to take part in physical activity and are supported and encouraged to join in. They have access to the information they need to make healthy choices and have healthy and safe relationships.
There is work taking place within Leeds City Council, lead by our ‘Wish Lead’, on Wish 9 right now. The short-term priorities are:
- reduce screen time of children and young people by delivering workshops to primary and secondary school staff
- deliver the ‘Just One More’ campaign to support children and families to eat more vegetables
- provide Healthy Holiday programmes for families with children on Free Schools Meals (FSM), which deliver culturally and physical activity opportunities.
You can read more about Wish 9 and resources here.
Further Information:
About Horsforth School.
At Horsforth School they firmly believe in “Opportunity and achievement for all.” They aim for all students to achieve excellent outcomes and this is not simply exam results but where students get to as a result of their experience at Horsforth School. At Horsforth they have a clear responsibility to prepare students for the rest of their lives.
