Digital Downtime Contract

Mercedes Pierce
February 17, 2020

Introduction—
During digital downtime I would like to find ways to be more focused while also maintaining a balance of
work and enjoyment. I anticipate that by eliminating much of the technology that I currently use, I will make
better use of my limited time and therefore achieve a healthier lifestyle. Digital downtime is certainly one
end of the extremes and is not sustainable for my normal day-to-day life, but hopefully by experimenting
with the extremes, I can find a happy medium. My hope is that, after completing digital downtime, I will
walk away with tools that will improve my health and productivity when I return to a lifestyle highly
dependent on technology.

Part 1—Technologies and activities that are expressly and completely prohibited
Instagram
Twitter
Snapchat
Tiktok
Youtube
Netflix
Spotify
myMCPS
TV

Part 2—Technologies that are permissible according to their purpose of use

iMessage (only to be used to communicate with parents or if there is an emergency)
Computer (only to be used to do homework)
All technology required to complete work in school will be used unless an alternative is available
Email (to be checked once per day for no more than 20 minutes)

Part 3—Goals for the week

A. Quantifiable
Go to bed by 11:00 PM every night
Do at least 15 minutes of stretching/rolling out every night

B. Unquantifiable
Find a mindless activity that does not involve technology
Find a way to spend time with my family that does not include technology
Stay updated on current events

Student Signature ___________________________________ Date _____________________

Parent Signature ____________________________________ Date _____________________