Time and time again, carriers and manufacturers bake screen timeout features into our phones. Yet, they remain in our hands, no matter how many wellness reminders pop up. Verizon knows this dilemma, and instead of nudging us to unplug, it’s launching a full-scale effort to make us see reasons why we need a virtual detox.
At the Verizon Digital Wellness Summit, hosted by American Actress Drew Barrymore, the company introduced partnerships with different names to launch programs and a special app. The goal is to help families and individuals build better electronic habits with free resources.
Four Verizon-led programs tackle digital wellbeing
Verizon is teaming up with organizations that focus on different age groups. Today, they have launched four programs to promote digital wellness: Discovery Education, Sesame Workshop, My Digital TAT2, and Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).
At Verizon, we’re committed to putting technology into the hands of those who otherwise might not have access to it. But access alone is not enough,” “Verizon wants to ensure everyone has the knowledge and skills to use technology safely and responsibly. That's why we’re launching our digital wellness programs—empowering users of all ages with the training and resources necessary to build healthy habits and a healthy relationship with technology.”
Donna Epps, Chief Responsible Business Officer at Verizon.
Discovery Education assists K-12 students in building digital skills with the right online resources and classroom tools. Sesame Workshop is studying how technology affects children aged 8-12.
My Digital TAT2 will offer in-store workshops that teach parents and caregivers how to help kids develop healthier habits. The name, most likely “TAT2,” plays on the idea that what people post online can be as permanent as a tattoo. Although Verizon doesn't share this information, it's pretty catchy and clarifies the program's aim.
Finally, Verizon is also partnering with AARP’s OATS program to create a course for older adults, available both online and in-person, to help them use technology safely while staying connected. You’d think the adults would escape the programs. After all, we’re setting the rules, telling kids to take breaks, and worrying about their eyesight.
But we also need it. Everybody is glued to their devices, whether at work, school, or home. There is an inescapable sense of urgency to always check our phones.
Connect with the new Verizon Family app
The Verizon Family app is a new addition to the carrier’s existing services. It's built with location sharing and parental controls to help you manage kids’ phone use and know where they are for their safety. A Safe Walk with SOS feature also allows children to alert parents in tricky situations.
The Crash Detection and Roadside Assistance feature works in emergencies where a family member is in a car accident and needs support. The app is available to Verizon postpaid customers and can be downloaded from the Google Play or Apple App stores.
If you've got nothing to do this weekend, go to Verizon's Arcade Unplugged event. The pop-up show turns digital games into life-sized, interactive challenges in promoting their screen-free family time for the Global Day of Unplugging.
The event will be open to select partners today, March 7, and to A Parently Kidding member families on March 8. If you miss it, you can still catch up with the nationwide tour starting in April, which will make stops in California, Texas, and other major cities.
