A Birmingham-based entrepreneur is aiming to help students cope with putting down the screens as the school year approaches and
new rules regarding cellphones
and social media use take effect.
Courtney Woods is taking on an issue impacting families across Alabama — digital overload. The founder of PC Media Techs will present a series of activities for “Digital Detox Week.”
“As Alabama takes bold steps to limit unnecessary screen time at school, families and students need tools to manage their digital habits at home, too,” Woods said. “A digital detox is about unplugging from constant notifications and reconnecting with what really matters — our focus, our mental health and each other.”
The free community-focused events are designed to help families and students build healthier relationships with technology before returning to the classroom. The events running July 24 through August 5 are open to the public.
The Alabama FOCUS Act, officially known as the Freeing Our Classrooms of Unnecessary Screens for Safety Act
restricts cellphone use in Alabama’s public K–12 schools during instructional time. Woods said some students and families will need assistance in adjusting to the new rules.
Woods is also a consultant for Bessemer City Schools to facilitate the transition and align with the state’s new rules.
Woods defined a digital detox as a planned break from smartphones, tablets, and other screens. She said studies show excessive screen time can disrupt sleep, increase anxiety, and overload the brain, especially in young people.
“The FOCUS Act sends a clear message that our classrooms should be safe learning environments free from digital distractions,” she said.
The Back to School Digital Detox Week includes:
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July 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m.: After Work Mixer for Digital Mental Health: An evening networking event offering practical tips for balancing tech use and mental wellness: City Club Ballroom, 1901 6th Ave. North, Birmingham
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July 26, 2-6 p.m.: Digital Mental Health Kickoff Community Fun Day: A family-friendly day with games, activities and resources to encourage healthy screen habits: Build Up Community School, 222 6th Ave. SW, Birmingham
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July 28: “Your Relationship With Your Phone” Webinar: A virtual workshop exploring how excessive screen time impacts the brain, sleep patterns and focus.
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July 29 – August 5: Back to School Digital Detox 7-Day Countdown — A guided week of unplugging challenges to help students and families reset before school starts.
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