Could you survive a week without your smartphone? A group of teenagers in Canterbury took on this very challenge, kicking off their experiment by watching a thought-provoking play titled *Generation FOMO*, produced by Portrait Theatre. This compelling performance presented a tapestry of real-life experiences and insights gathered from interviews with teenagers about their smartphone habits and the often harmful content they encounter online.

After the play, I had the opportunity to sit down with three boys who were about to enter this digital detox. Initially, they expressed confidence in their ability to cope without their devices, viewing the week as a minor inconvenience rather than a daunting challenge.

However, Lindsey Cameron, a psychologist from the University of Kent who was observing the experiment, cautioned against their optimism. She highlighted the addictive nature of social media and how it deeply affects teenagers, whose impulse control is typically less developed than that of adults. This aspect, she noted, could make it particularly challenging for teens to break free from their screens.

The concerns surrounding excessive smartphone use among teenagers are growing. Recent statistics from Ofcom paint a concerning picture: by age 11, a staggering 90% of children own a mobile phone, and more than a third (32%) of 8-17 year-olds have encountered inappropriate content online in the past year, raising serious questions about digital safety.

Fast forward seven days: how did the boys fare in their smartphone-free trial? While some of them struggled, particularly over the weekend—one reported missing over 300 notifications on WhatsApp—most found the experience enlightening. They noted feeling less distracted, discovering a newfound inclination towards outdoor activities, and valuing quality time spent with family and friends. Ultimately, all three boys reflected on their smartphone usage, realizing it had a more significant impact on their lives than they had previously acknowledged.

As I observed their journey, I couldn't help but reflect on my own smartphone habits. On average, I spend about four hours a day glued to my device. Witnessing this experiment inspired me to reconsider my relationship with technology and contemplate setting boundaries to protect my mental well-being.

In a world where smartphones reign supreme, could a digital detox be the remedy for our over-connected lives? This experiment raises this vital question: are we allowing our devices to control us, or can we reclaim that control?