In time for Screen Free Week in May, the expanded partnership includes a $100,000 donation to help families close the conversation gap on tech usage
CHICAGO, April 24, 2025 -- UScellular is continuing its partnership with the non-profit organization, Screen Sanity, with a $100,000 donation and new resources to help families build better digital habits. Screen Sanity's mission is to create a world where kids are captivated by life, not screens, and UScellular's donation will help them reach more local communities and spread parent resources across the country.
UScellular and Screen Sanity have introduced new tools and resources to help families create healthy digital habits.
"We're excited to extend our partnership with UScellular and our Smarter Start resources as we continue to connect people in real, meaningful ways. Together, we're empowering parents and trusted caregivers to foster a healthy relationship between their children and tech so that our kids are more captivated by life than screens and stay connected to the people they care about the most," said Tracy, Foster, co-founder and executive director of Screen Sanity.
A 2024 UScellular survey* found that nearly 80% of parents are concerned about what their kids may be exposed to while online, and 64% are concerned with the amount of time their kids spend online – clearly showing a need for families to talk about appropriate phone usage.
In 2023, UScellular and Screen Sanity created the Smarter Start Toolkit, a free, comprehensive resource for families that includes talking points for parents to help them have conversations with their children about Internet safety, guidelines on usage and time limits, accountability, and a pledge for both parents and children to agree and sign. Since then, they have collaborated on Parent Night events, curated "first phone tips" and ahead of Screen Free Week (May 5-11) are now introducing a host of new resources designed to help families manage their digital usage while inspiring fun ways to disconnect and create together. These can all be found in English and Spanish at uscellular.com/smarterstart and include:
- Quick Start Digital Health Guide: A quick reference for parents to help them navigate some of the most common digital health concerns for kids today.
- Digital Rewards Sheet: Families can reward each other for unplugging and engaging in non-digital activities with customizable coupons.
- Bingo Card: Have fun as a family with a Bingo card that includes a list of play ideas for families.
- Coloring Sheets: These fun, family-oriented coloring pages are designed to encourage families to spend quality time together coloring in real life.
- DIY Phone Box Kit: Inspired by UScellular's Board of Connectors, families can create a special place to keep their devices out of sight.
- Downloadable Phone Screen Saver: Families can have a regular reminder to "Do More Things to Make You Forget to Check Your Phone."
"Our phones give us peace of mind and keep us connected, but we know that navigating the ever-changing digital landscape – especially with children – can be challenging and overwhelming," said Verchele Roberts, vice president of brand management at UScellular. "Screen Sanity has been a leader in encouraging healthy boundaries with technology, and hopefully these customizable resources help more families have engaging discussions about how everyone uses their technology."
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, Board of Connectors and recent partnerships with Alanis Morrisette, HARDY, Chase Rice and several collegiate athletes. For more information about UScellular's efforts, go to uscellular.com/BuiltForUs.
*Between October 23–28, 2024, a total of 1,000 online interviews were conducted among a nationally representative sample of U.S. consumers between 18-41 years old by Consumer Insights, in partnership with PureSpectrum.
About UScellular
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.
About Screen Sanity
Screen Sanity is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that offers tips, tools and trainings to help families raise happy, healthy kids in an increasingly digital world. The organization's highly acclaimed resources and education programs encourage parents to consider the role technology plays in their lives and connect with their children in meaningful ways — both offline and online. Screen Sanity also works with community stakeholders to explore opportunities in which they can support and reinforce healthy tech use in their spheres of influence. The mission of Screen Sanity is to create a world where kids are captivated by life, not screens. Learn more at screensanity.org.
For more information, contact uscdlmediarelations@uscellular.com.
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