Tuesday, November 3, 2026

What’s Working

For readers looking for what’s still working in the world

ResilienceUpworthy

Tech expert shares the one message that actually convinces teens to reconsider their screen time

Dino Ambrosi's approach to convincing teens to reconsider their screen time is both pragmatic and profound. By framing time as a finite and invaluable resource, Ambrosi taps into a universal human concern: the fear of wasting one's life. His message is particularly effective with young people, who, when confronted with the stark reality that 93% of their remaining free time could be spent in front of screens, begin to reassess their relationship with technology. Ambrosi's work through Project Reboot is not just about reducing screen time but empowering teens to reclaim their lives and use their time deliberately.

Ambrosi's initiative, Project Reboot, leverages school assemblies and parent workshops to foster discussions about screen time and its impact. His analogy to the tactics of big tobacco companies underscores the urgency of the issue, drawing parallels between the manipulation by tech companies and the historic exploitation by tobacco firms. This method resonates with teens, who are increasingly aware of the manipulative nature of these platforms. The growing movement towards phone-free spaces in schools and the implementation of school phone bans in several states are testament to the effectiveness of Ambrosi's message and the increasing awareness among young people.

Constructive analysis

The constructive-journalism lens: not just what happened, but what works.

The problem
The challenge is the excessive screen time among teens and its impact on their personal development and mental health.
The actions
Ambrosi conducts school assemblies, parent workshops, and promotes the use of apps like ClearSpace to manage screen time.
Evidence of progress
The increase in phone-free spaces and school phone bans indicates a growing awareness and acceptance of Ambrosi's message.
What we can learn
Others can learn to frame technology use in terms of time's value, encouraging conscious decision-making about screen time.
PERMA profile of this story

How this story scores across the PERMA dimensions.

Positive Emotion
7
Engagement
8
Relationships
6
Meaning
9
Accomplishment
7
PERMA

Character strengths in play

Top VIA strengths this story embodies.

  • Perspective

    Ambrosi helps teens realize the value of their time and the impact of technology on their lives.

  • Hope

    Ambrosi expresses optimism about the increasing receptiveness of students to his message.

  • Curiosity

    Ambrosi's approach encourages teens to question the value exchange with tech companies.

Try this today

Reflect on your daily screen time. For one week, try setting specific goals for phone use, such as avoiding screens for the first and last hour of your day, and observe how it impacts your sense of time and productivity.