Isle of Wight UKSA students slash mobile phone use as part of study

The Cowes-based charity ran the seven-week program after a 2023 GWI Report stated that 20 per cent of young people aged 16 to 26 say social media causes them anxiety.

Seven of those involved reported that they had reduced their screen time, with one student cutting their phone usage by 58 per cent.

UKSA asked students to share data on a weekly basis in an attempt to understand their mobile phone habits, also offering alternative activities throughout the trial as support.

Clare Powell, education manager at UKSA, led the program and explained how important it was to understand why those involved felt the need to use their phones.

Clare said: “We wanted to work with the students to help them individually identify the causes of the screen time, what alternatives might be available.

"Are they scrolling out of boredom rather than need? And how can we address that to create new, more healthy habits.”

Six members of staff also took part to show the students support and be fully involved in the project.

The ‘Generation Z’ guinea pigs participating embraced the trial and felt the impact was stronger than they expected.

One student said: “I was really surprised to find out how much time I spent on TikTok and it really made me think about the time wasted.”

Another added: “To get my time down, I tried to do more outdoors, I really enjoyed this and now do it more.”

As a result of the trial, UKSA has updated its mental health strategy to include a new section on screen time, informing students of the effect it can have on their mindset.

Clare said: “This project was really valuable and although some of the students achieved a reduction and some remained at a similar level of screen time, the value of the project was evident by the response and changed behaviour, particularly in class time.”

The maritime charity delivered training to over 2,000 students and sailing sessions to over 8,000 children in 2022.