The Digital Detox Club, My Resilient Mind is coming to the Kingswood School in Bath on 18 October, offering an introduction to a Smartphone Free Childhood.
“We are bringing together local families, young people, community organisations and experts to raise awareness of the impact of smartphones on mental health and to offer solutions – including giving young people a chance to explore their passions beyond screens with the opportunity to try out art, journaling, fitness and other offline activities,” explained Nicola MacDonald from The Digital Detox Club.
“We are currently facing a significant youth mental health crisis. Many factors contribute including: lack of community spaces, underfunded mental health services, the global climate crisis, the pandemic’s impact, and the addictive nature of smartphones.
“Since 2010 (when smartphone adoption ramped up), global rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicide have sharply increased, particularly among young people. Research shows that problematic smartphone usage (PSU) doubles anxiety rates and triples depression risks:
- 79% of Gen Z think social media has become more addictive in the last 5 years.
- 62% believe it does more harm than good.”
(Source: More in Common, 2025)
The event, which runs from 2-6pm is split into two halves.
First Half – Understanding the Problem
Speakers will discuss the link between smartphone overuse and mental health, the addictive nature of social media and how the algorithm can feed our minds with hatred and isolation. Young people will share stories on how to survive without a smartphone when you start secondary school.
Second Half – Solutions for Regaining Control
- #Reclaim the net – Taking control of your digital life: how to change the algorithm to become more positive.
- How to reduce smartphone addiction and boost resilience.
- What lights you up? Inspirational talks and activities on discovering/rediscovering passions such as nature, spoken word, art, music and fitness.
Attendees will receive a toolkit with tips to reduce smartphone use and support for withdrawal symptoms.
The event will also feature Breakout Taster Sessions and Chats, where attendees can find out more about certain activities, experience tasters such as fabric art, journaling and fitness, as well as check out the book, Resilient Teen, and find out more about the Smartphone Free Childhood Movement and alternatives to smartphones.
Local partners for the event include:
- Kingswood School: the first secondary in Bath to ban smartphones in school by providing Yondr pouches during the day.
- Boys In Mind
- Spark UK
- Papaya Parents
- All About Wellness
- Functional Fitness Training
- Mark De’Lisser poet
- Lauren Helyar musician
DATE: Saturday, 18th October 2025, from 2pm – 6pm
PLACE: Kingswood School Theatre, Bath
TICKETS: £10/adult, £8/child (minimum age 10), booked via www.digitaldetoxclub.co.uk
For more information, contact Nicola at email hidden; JavaScript is required
