SpringScreenBreak is inviting people to take a seven-day digital reset, unplug from screens and reconnect with nature, whānau, and community.

The campaign is a new wellbeing initiative running across NZ from September 21-28 and provides free resources, themes, and activities for families, schools, workplaces, and councils.

“With New Zealand facing the highest screen-time averages - 42 hours a week compared with Europe’s 37 hours - and global concern over tech’s impact on wellbeing, this has powerful national relevance,” SpringScreenBreak founder Vanessa McHardy said.

“Spring is a time of new beginnings, a time to refresh, declutter, and reset.”

Activities include connecting with nature, creative and play ideas, doing group activities and journaling. A resource library is available at www.springscreenbreak.com, and after signing up, users of the site will receive seven-day prompts.

SpringScreenBreak founder Vanessa McHardy. Photo / Supplied.

McHardy said with the Spring Equinox beginning on September 21, the idea of harnessing the natural energy of this important time of year was a good time to launch the campaign.

“I chose the spring equinox because spring is all about clearing out what no longer serves us. Just like a spring clean, the idea here is to break out of autopilot and clear away the apps and habits with our tech that don’t support us. This is both personal and collective action — there’s no one-size-fits-all, but each of us can take steps to reset and realign,” McHardy said.

“Just like planting new seeds to grow and harvest later in the year—with nurturing and care—we can create an environment that fosters greater connection and real-life-enhancing activities in our day-to-day lives.

“Spring is the time when newness and freshness are all around, and you have the energy to engage in a challenge like clearing out a cupboard to make way for more order and space.

“It is a great feeling when you have taken the action of shifting stale, old energy.”

McHardy said the “grassroots movement” provides free toolkits for schools, workplaces, and councils.

Interactive, engaging workshops based on the latest evidence for change are also available for workplaces.

“They are perfect for a learning lunch hour with a focus on getting real on usage and simple hacks to be back in charge of your relationship with tech so it works for you,” McHardy said.

“A community-focused campaign is grounded in the symbolism of the Spring Equinox with balance, renewal, and reset.”

For more information go to www.springscreenbreak.com