New survey reveals need to help close the conversation gap between parents and youth on phone use and digital habits
CHICAGO, Feb. 25, 2025 -- 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. The company is investing $150,000 to provide unplugged experiences for youth at Boys & Girls Clubs of America and is encouraging everyone to go to uscellular.com/unplugging to share their participation and help spread the word.
Additionally, after gathering insights that reveal youth often feel ignored when their parents demonstrate poor phone etiquette, UScellular formed a Board of Connectors to empower youth to have a voice in inspiring healthier digital habits. The group, comprised of youth from Boys & Girls Clubs and children of UScellular associates, met with UScellular's CEO and is providing feedback, ideas and practical ways for families to unplug and play on Global Day of Unplugging and beyond.
"UScellular is proud to keep our customers connected to what matters most," said Laurent "LT" Therivel, President and CEO at UScellular. "While our devices help us stay connected with friends and family, we also recognize that technology can sometimes be a distraction. Through the creation of the Board of Connectors, we're amplifying the voices of America's youth to inspire meaningful, in-person connections as we approach Global Day of Unplugging."
New research from a December 2024 survey commissioned by UScellular* found that 90% of parents say they monitor their kid's phone usage, and 76% of youth say their parents think that they are on their phone too much. Children shared that their parents may not practice what they preach, with 63% of youth reporting their parents have ignored them when they are on their phone – while only 41% of adults admitted to this behavior. The survey also found that 36% 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 contribution 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 like me from across around the country," said Swan of Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County. "We even had the chance to share our thoughts with LT who was very encouraging and promised to put our ideas into action."
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 October 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.
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 Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA.org) has provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. Clubs offer caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Boys & Girls Clubs programming promotes academic success, good character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles. Over 5,400 Clubs serve more than 3 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. The national headquarters is located in Atlanta. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America on Facebook and LinkedIn.
For more information, contact:
uscdlmediarelations@uscellular.com
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