WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. (Feb. 26, 2025) – UScellular is continuing its commitment to encourage purposeful use of technology by inviting people to take a break from their devices for Global Day of Unplugging on March 7. And to empower youth to have a voice in inspiring healthier digital habits, UScellular formed a Board of Connectors comprised of youth from Boys & Girls Clubs and children of UScellular associates. Antonella from Wisconsin Dells was one of nine youth selected from across the country, to meet with UScellular’s CEO and provide feedback, ideas and practical ways for families to unplug and play on Global Day of Unplugging and beyond.
New research from a December 2024 survey commissioned by UScellular* revealed that youth often feel ignored when their parents demonstrate poor phone etiquette. In fact, 63% of youth said their parents have ignored them when they are on their phone – while only 41% of adults admitted to this behavior. The survey also found that 36% of youth would like to talk to their parents about their phone usage but may need guidance on how to bring it up.
The Board of Connectors’ first suggestion was to offer phone boxes for families to store their phones in while spending quality time together, encouraging stronger connections in real life. UScellular is donating 1,000 phone boxes to Boys & Girls Clubs to utilize in their community and has also provided DIY instructions at uscellular.com/BuiltForUs for anyone wanting to create their own phone box.
“I feel really glad to be part of the Board of Connectors and to meet kids from around the country,” said Antonella of Wisconsin Dells. “LT let us share our ideas and he was very kind and fun with us I really laughed a lot with him and the other kids, this experience was amazing.”
Antonella joined the Board of Connectors in January and met with UScellular CEO, Laurent “LT” Therivel, to share her ideas. She will be featured in social media videos over the next several months to highlight the need for healthy digital habits.
“UScellular is proud to keep our customers connected to what matters most,” said Christine Paulsen, director of sales and operations at UScellular in Wisconsin. “While our devices help us stay connected with friends and family, we also recognize that technology can sometimes be a distraction. We are so happy that Antonella can contribute to our Board of Connectors and help inspire us all to have meaningful, in-person connections.”
UScellular continues to lead the conversation around healthy digital habits through its “Built For US” campaign with the Phone’s Down for 5 Challenge, US Mode, Smarter Start Toolkit and recent partnerships with Alanis Morrisette, HARDY, Chase Rice and several collegiate athletes.
For more information about UScellular’s efforts, visit uscellular.com/BuiltForUs.
*Between October 23–28, 2024, two surveys were commissioned by UScellular. The first survey includes a nationally representative sample of 1,000 online interviews of U.S. consumers between 18–41 years old by PureSpectrum. The second survey includes a sample of 70 online interviews of U.S. children between 13-18 years old by C+R Research Community Panel.
About UScellular
UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to help customers stay connected to the things that matter most. The Chicago-based carrier provides a strong, reliable network supported by the latest technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. Through its After School Access Project, the company has donated more than $30 million in hotspots and service to help youth connect to reliable internet. To learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, visit newsroom.uscellular.com.
