What is Unplugged
In recent years, the concern about the impact of social media on teenage minds has increased significantly. Numerous studies done by researchers have found a correlation between iPhones and social media on the mental health of teenagers. Excessive use of cell phones has been linked to an increase in mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety, low self-esteem, behavioral issues, and more.
About Unplugged
After experiencing the effects firsthand and watching her friends encounter them, Sophie decided to create Unplugged, an innovative initiative that provides activity booklets designed for high school students to reduce their phone usage and engage with the world around them through challenges, journal prompts, calming activities, and more. The activities are all rooted in positive psychology and designed to promote curiosity, gratitude, bravery, and creativity within students.
By encouraging teenagers to reduce their reliance on their phones and positively engage with the world around them, Unplugged aims to improve mental health and well-being. The initiative recognizes that excessive phone usage can lead to a lack of meaningful social interactions, decreased productivity, and isolation. By providing students with the tools to engage with the world more meaningfully, Unplugged hopes to encourage positive growth within young people, enabling them to build healthier relationships with others and, most importantly, within themselves.
Teenager Screen time Statistics:
About the Founder
Born in Miami, Sophie is a high school student at Ransom Everglades in Miami, Florida. Sophie developed a keen interest in psychology after reading articles about mental health in adolescents and young adults. After diving deeper, she realized the impact technology can play in mental health and wanted to do something about it. As the oldest of four, Sophie was eager to create a fun and engaging way to inspire her younger siblings and community to unplug. In her free time, Sophie enjoys watching movies, spending time with her friends and family, going to concerts, working out, and listening to music.