High school students Lukas and Koko noticed a trend at Edgemont High in Scarsdale, New York: Their classmates were together but not truly together — they were often heads down, focusing on social media instead of talking to each other. The two sophomores decided to do something about it, organizing a scavenger hunt to get their peers involved in an activity where they could connect IRL (in real life) and make new friends. Lukas explains that the scavenger hunt was less about cutting screen time and more about spending time outside and being present in the moment. “I would define digital wellness as a healthy balance between using screens and not letting them take over your life,” he says. “It’s an aspect of your life. It’s not something that controls it.” To fund the activity, Lukas and Koko applied for a mini-grant from The Phone-Free Fund, an initiative of the nonprofit organization #HalfTheStory, in partnership with the Verizon Digital Wellness initiative. #HalfTheStory helps students become empowered digital citizens through youth-led educational programs. Both Lukas and Koko are on the organization’s Teen Tech Council, which brings teen leaders together to design and implement solutions that foster real-world connection and community in their schools. “This year, we awarded projects with grants that will reach 17,000 kids across New York State and create traditions in their school that will become fixed parts of their school communities,” says Daniella Ivanir, youth engagement lead at #HalfTheStory. “Verizon helped us build something that will shift the culture in New York schools’ digital wellness at large." Verizon is empowering every generation to build safer, healthier relationships with technology by sharing knowledge, tools and support to navigate the digital world with confidence. Discover Digital Wellness tips and tools for the whole family at Verizon.

 632      20