Seventh grade students in Christine Floegel’s study skills class at Westhampton Beach Middle School recently took part in the TOTAL (Turn Off Technology and Lead) Challenge. As part of the weeklong event, the students aimed to limit their use of nonessential cellphones, electronics and technology and engage in conversations, reading, board games, outdoor activities and other hobbies.

The seventh graders participated in the challenge after completing a unit on time management, where they explored statistics related to screen time. They quickly discovered that they averaged 4.5-7 hours of phone time per day.

From the class, nine were recognized for excelling in the challenge by completing 10-25 hours of activities unrelated to technology in a week.