Did the Drop the Phone Campaign Make a Difference for You?

We’ve all turned our attention back where it belongs. And we haven’t really missed the phone. 

For the past few weeks, we’ve resolved to put our phones down between the hours of 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., each of us in our own way (click here for more info on the Drop the Phone campaign). So many of you have shared with us how you thought it would be difficult in the beginning…but now it’s just so natural. Kids walk in, and the phone is just away. Some leave their phone available for phone calls and shut down the apps (we showed you how here). Some switch to using the landline during that time. Everyone “drops the phone” in their own way. But there’s one thing that most of us have in common: no one “misses” the phone during that time!

There’s one thing we’ve realized by having all our apps (except for phone calls/regular texts) shut down during specific hours. Having apps shut down doesn’t barricade us from the things we really need to do. If we really need to use an app, we can enter a passcode and reactivate it, whether for a minute, fifteen minutes, an hour, or all day. But it’s too bothersome to do that if we don’t really need it. It stops us from habitual and unnecessary checking/scrolling.   

Want to know what other positive lessons we’ve taken from this campaign? See our comments in this post. 

Would you like to take Drop the Phone to the next level?

So far Drop the Phone has included limitation in time. Now try dropping the phone by adding a limitation in space. It can be combined with a time or completely separate. 

The technology-free space in your home is a place of tranquility and quiet, a place where people can communicate and not be distracted by technology; it’s a place of contemplation. It can be a couch, a chair, a room…a bedroom or a common space.

Having a space where technology doesn’t come creates the idea of limitation. 

This is where it’s on. This is where it’s off. 

(Note: It’s up to us to set an example. While it’s great if every member of the family is on board, we can’t force others to take upon what we’ve taken upon for ourselves. Don’t get frustrated if others don’t comply with your technology-free zone. You and your family will still benefit).

Have you Dropped the Phone? Share your experiences with us here!