BY MATT LINDSEYNorth Country This Week

CANTON — St. Lawrence County residents are encouraged to unplug and reconnect during a “Five Hour Free Friday” challenge March 6, following unanimous approval of a resolution by the St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators.

The initiative, presented Feb. 9 by Anya Bansal, chair of the St. Lawrence County Youth Committee, calls for residents to spend five hours away from social media and nonessential smartphone use  on Friday, March 6, from 4 to 9 p.m.

The effort is aimed at addressing concerns about screen time among children and adults, Bansal told legislators.

“I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunity to speak in front of you all,” Bansal told legislators. 

She said research shows adolescents spend more than eight hours per day on social media and other platforms, excluding schoolwork. “Obviously people have duties and jobs they have to tend to, but it’s mostly just getting off social media platforms,” Bansal said.

Friday’s For Families 

The 4 to 9 p.m. timeframe was intentionally selected by Teen Ambassadors, according to Youth Bureau Director Alexa Backus Chase.

“It begins shortly after the school day ends and overlaps with the evening hours when families are often together for dinner and winding down from the day,” Chase said. “Rather than conflicting with routines, the intent is to enhance them by encouraging families to use that time to connect through conversation, shared meals, outdoor activities, or simply being present with one another.”

Leading up to March 6, organizers plan to host themed activities throughout the week to help participants ease into the challenge.

“The themed days are intended to be simple, accessible suggestions rather than formal events,” Chase said. “They were created by our Teen Ambassadors as a way to help ease into the five-hour break from social media and encourage healthy habits throughout the week leading up to Five Hour Free Friday.”

Bansal described days such as Meditation Monday, Taco Tuesday and Walking Wednesday as opportunities to build momentum toward the day.

“The goal is to offer practical, flexible ideas that individuals and families can choose to incorporate into their daily routines at home, school, or in their communities,” Chase said.

“The point of this is to build strong community connections, and during the 5 hour period for the students to reflect and the community members to reflect on other activities that can be done that aren’t relative to using your phone,” she said. “It really helps with mental health as well because we see that many mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD and sleep deprivation, are attached to iPhone usage.”

Five Hour Free Friday is being promoted through multiple community channels, Chase said.

“Local school districts play a key role in helping to share information, with Teen Ambassadors making school announcements and posting flyers within their schools,” she said. 

The initiative is highlighted on the St. Lawrence County Youth Bureau website, and shared across social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram. In addition, our March newsletter and community partnerships help broaden awareness and encourage participation across the county.

Support From Legislators 

Legislator Larry Denesha, District 6, DeKalb, voiced support for the measure.

“I think this is great. I really do,” he said.

He recalled attending local sporting events and noticing spectators focused on their phones rather than the game.

Instead of watching the game, people are scrolling on their phones, Denesha said. “It’s not just teenagers and adolescents, it’s adults.

Denesha said he would like to see the initiative embraced publicly and practiced in everyday settings, such as restaurants, where he again has observed groups sitting together while each person is on their phone.

“We’ve existed for many, many years without these things,” he said. “I think we could certainly do it for five hours.”

Legislator Nicole Terminelli, District 14, Massena, asked whether organizers would provide commitment forms or surveys and share marketing information to help track participation and promote the event. Organizers said they would. 

The resolution passed unanimously.

To learn more, contact Alexa Chase at the Youth Bureau: AChase@stlawco.gov or 315-379-9464.