What happened when these LA Catholic students tried a technology ‘fast’

April 6, 2026 - 16:38

Students at a Los Angeles Catholic high school recently embarked on a unique challenge: a week-long technology "fast." The initiative encouraged teenagers to voluntarily step away from their smartphones, social media, and streaming services, trading digital noise for real-world connection and reflection.

The results, according to participants, were transformative. Many reported a significant decrease in anxiety and a newfound appreciation for offline activities. One student shared, “Instead of doom-scrolling, I’ve spent time running outdoors, reading five books, and playing board games with my family — time that I would usually spend online is now filled with exploring new worlds.”

The fast was designed not as a punishment, but as an experiment in mindfulness and intentional living. Teachers and administrators noted a palpable shift in the school environment, with students engaging in more face-to-face conversations during breaks. The experiment sparked discussions about healthy digital habits and the importance of being present. While the fast has ended, the goal is for students to carry forward a more conscious and balanced relationship with the technology that fills their daily lives.