Full Breakdown
New Jersey Teens Tackle Screen Time Challenges
3/14/2026, 4:19:46 PM
Overview of the Experiment
At Clifton High School in Clifton, New Jersey, three students—senior Gianna Colon, sophomore Sebastian Fazio, and sophomore Hamza Ramach—embarked on a week-long experiment to reduce their screen time. Each student, despite their active involvement in school activities, reported struggles with excessive phone usage, spending between four to 13 hours daily on their devices.
Personal Experiences with Screen Time
The students shared their personal experiences regarding the impact of screen time on their lives. Colon expressed that excessive scrolling left her feeling "drained." Fazio noted that he often found himself addicted to his phone at bedtime, while Ramach felt uncertain about his ability to reduce screen time independently. To address these challenges, they agreed to avoid taking their phones to bed and to utilize various tools aimed at limiting screen time during the day.
Tools and Techniques Used
The students experimented with different methods to curb their screen time. Colon utilized a device called Brick, which blocks specific apps and requires the phone to be tapped against it to regain access. Ramach tried an app named ScreenZen, which encourages mindful usage by prompting users to wait before opening distracting applications. Fazio experimented with his phone's grayscale mode, which transforms the screen to black-and-white, diminishing the visual appeal of apps like Instagram.
Positive Outcomes from the Experiment
Three days into the experiment, the students recorded video diaries reflecting on their experiences. Colon reported engaging in alternative activities like diamond painting, while Ramach noted increased focus on schoolwork and improved sleep. Fazio experienced a significant reduction in screen time, dropping from three hours to just 20 minutes per day. He described the change as "great," highlighting a newfound energy in his mornings and improved communication with family and friends.
Reflections and Broader Implications
The students expressed a desire to share their insights with peers. Colon emphasized that reliance on phones is unnecessary, stating, "You don't need to depend on your phone for everything. Like there's so much more out in the world." The experiment not only fostered personal growth among the participants but also served as a potential model for other teens grappling with similar screen time issues.
Conclusion
The initiative taken by these Clifton High School students illustrates the challenges and potential solutions to excessive screen time. Their experiences highlight the importance of finding balance in technology use and encourage others to explore alternatives to screen dependency.
