How can I reduce screen time together with friends and family?

As social animals, we are strongly influenced by our peers. Many activities are more enjoyable in groups, and having a friend alongside you makes it easier to stick to a goal. That’s the idea behind accountability partners—people who support each other in following through on shared commitments.

You can use this concept to reach your screen time goals, too: bring a friend, your partner, or your family on board and create true offline moments together.

Tip: make it fun and playful. Everyone commits to not checking their phones during a shared activity—no phones at the dining table, over lunch, during an activity, or at a bar. If someone reaches for their phone, agree in advance on a small "penalty" for breaking the detox: paying for a round of drinks, making dessert for everyone, or organizing the next offline activity.

Be gentle with the penalties: choose something that is fun and brings joy to the whole group (including the person being "caught"), because research shows that we change and grow most through positive reinforcement.