Exploring Digital Sobriety with your Children

Screens have become part of day-to-day life both at school and at home. Due to manufacturing processes and our ever-growing use of digital devices, which requires energy-intensive data centres, the digital sector recently overtook aviation in terms of global greenhouse gas emissions (Agence Science-Presse, 2022).

The good news is, there are ways we can reduce the environmental impact of our digital consumption. Digital sobriety (link in French) is an approach that involves limiting superfluous use of technology and simplifying digital services. Besides benefitting the planet, it also has positive effects on the mental and physical health of those who practise it! Here are a few ways to incorporate digital sobriety into your life, organized by the 6Rs introduced in our October blog post.

Refuse to buy electronic devices or to use certain digital services. For example:

• Avoid buying the latest models unless you absolutely have to.

• Do not connect all your devices to the cloud.

• Refuse to receive unnecessary newsletters (unsubscribe!).

Reduce the number of devices in your home, the digital services you use, and your screen time. For example:

• Reconsider whether every person really needs their own cellphone and/or computer.

• Reduce video consumption and streaming quality.

• Delete unnecessary cloud files and emails to reduce the burden on energy-guzzling data centres.

• Participate in the PAUSE family challenge! This May, all you and your family have to do is go 24 hours without using screen devices (e.g., cellphones, tablets, TVs, computers, game consoles) for leisure purposes. The 24h de PAUSE is a great challenge for kids—and for parents!

Reuse your devices, downloads, shortcuts, etc.
For example:

• If they are still in good condition, donate appliances you no longer need to friends, family members, or donation centres.

• Organize downloads you may need in the future so they are easy to go back to.

• Bookmark websites you visit often to avoid using a search engine, which consumes more energy.

Repair your electronic devices or maintain your operating software. This can go a long way toward reducing electronic waste and helping to preserve natural resources. For example:

• Browse the many available online resources, such as YouTube, for DIY repair guides and tutorials.

• Attend repair workshops or make use of professional repair services.

Properly recycle your obsolete electronic devices by taking them to an authorized drop-off point. Recycling centres recover valuable materials and other reusable components. Electronics can contain toxic materials, so recycling them correctly is essential.

By encouraging open discussion, setting clear limits, and leading by example through balanced digital consumption, we can help young people learn to use technology responsibly, thereby preserving their well-being as well as the environment.