The power of disconnecting to reconnect
As educators and parents, we witness firsthand the impact of this relentless connectivity on our students – a sense of being overwhelmed is all too common.
In our increasingly digital world, we are perpetually tethered to technology – social media, smartphones, screens – creating an endless network of notifications, updates and distractions. We are, quite literally, always online.
While this digital immersion offers unprecedented access to information and connection, it has also become a source of profound stress and overstimulation, especially for our young people. As educators and parents, we witness firsthand the impact of this relentless connectivity on our students – a sense of being overwhelmed is all too common.
At Moriah College, we recognise the need to address this growing challenge. This year, during our Counterpoint camps – focused on experiential Jewish learning and personal development – we decided to create a unique opportunity for our students to experience the power of disconnection. All students participated in a digital detox. They handed in their phones for 25 hours – from Friday afternoon until Saturday night – in exchange for the gift of Shabbat. This encouraged an intentional reconnection with themselves, their peers and the timeless rhythms of Jewish tradition.
The results were nothing short of transformative. Freed from the incessant demands of their devices, our students engaged in activities that allowed them to reconnect in meaningful ways and to speak to one another using their voices rather than their screens.
One student remarked, “I didn’t realise how much I missed actually talking to people face-to-face until I had no choice but to do it. It was liberating.” Another shared, “The quiet was unsettling at first, but then it became comforting. I found space to think – really think – and that was something I hadn’t done in a while.”
These powerful reflections align with growing literature on the impact of technology on our mental and emotional wellbeing. Research by Rosen et al. (2021) demonstrates that excessive screen time is linked to increased levels of anxiety, depression and attention issues among adolescents. A report by Common Sense Media found that 50 per cent of teenagers feel addicted to their mobile devices, and 72 per cent feel the need to respond to texts, social media messages and other notifications immediately. This constant connectivity not only disrupts their focus but also erodes their ability to engage deeply with the world around them.
Yet, as the Lubavitcher Rebbe wisely noted, technology itself is not inherently harmful. It is a tool, one that can be used for both good and ill. This perspective was a common theme in the Rebbe’s teachings, especially during the latter part of his leadership, as technology became more prevalent. He emphasised that the value of technology lies in how we choose to use it, underscoring the importance of guiding our children to engage with it responsibly.
This idea resonates deeply with Maimonides’ teaching of the “golden mean”, which advocates for balance in all aspects of life. Technology is here to stay, and the task before us is to guide our children in using it responsibly, ensuring that it enhances rather than diminishes their lives.
Shabbat offers us a perfect model for achieving this balance. It is a built-in circuit breaker – a weekly opportunity to step back from the busyness of life and reconnect with what truly matters. By disengaging from technology, even temporarily, we create space for reflection, connection and spiritual growth.
During Shabbat at Counterpoint, this was precisely what our students experienced. In the absence of screens, they found it was a time to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with themselves, their peers and their community, rediscovering the joy of genuine human interaction, shared experiences and communal rituals. They played games, sang songs that have been part of our tradition for generations, listened to stories that connected them to their heritage and prayed together, finding solace and strength in community.
These are the kinds of experiences that build resilience, foster empathy and create a strong sense of belonging – qualities that are increasingly rare in our fast-paced, technology-driven world.
As we continue to navigate the challenges of the digital age, let us draw on the wisdom of our traditions. By embracing the opportunity to disconnect, even for a short while, we reconnect with what truly matters. This practice not only enriches our lives but also models for our children a balanced and meaningful approach to technology – a timeless lesson that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Mira Hasofer is the principal of Moriah College.
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