The Power of a Digital Detox - Disconnecting to Reconnect
An important part of an Outward Bound experience is being fully present and connecting with the people around you and the nature that surrounds you and to do that, we ask students to hand over their devices so they can live in the moment.
An important part of any Outward Bound experience is being fully present and connecting with yourself, the people and the natural world around you. But with our phones always within reach, it can be hard to truly unplug and be in the moment. That’s why at Outward Bound, our students take part in a digital detox by leaving their devices behind for the duration of the course. It might sound scary at first, but disconnecting from technology is one of the most empowering experiences you can have with us in Anakiwa. When you’re not glued to a screen, you start to see more clearly – not just the bush and the ocean, but yourself.
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What is a Digital Detox?
A digital detox is a conscious break from phones, social media, and screens of all kinds. It’s about stepping away from the constant noise of the online world to make space for clarity, presence, and real-life connection. Whether it’s for a few days or a few weeks, taking a digital detox gives you a chance to reset. Without the distraction of notifications, scrolling, and comparison, you get to tune back into your own thoughts and emotions. It can feel uncomfortable at first but that’s part of the process. What’s on the other side is often a sense of calm, focus, and aliveness that’s easy to forget in our tech-saturated lives. At Outward Bound, we create the perfect container for this kind of reset.
How to Start a Digital Detox
Not everyone can jump straight into an 8-day or 21-day device-free wilderness experience – and that’s okay. Here are some ways to ease into your own digital detox, wherever you are:
Get outside. This is what we do at Outward Bound! The outdoors takes us out of our heads and into the now. Even a swim in the ocean or a walk in nature counts.
Connect in real life. Meet a friend for coffee or go for a walk without your phones. There's nothing like face-to-face interactions to remind you what real connection and presence feels like.
Set time boundaries. Try a “phone-free morning” or commit to staying off screens after 8pm. Even small breaks can make a big impact.
Designate device-free zones. Make your bedroom or dining table a phone-free space. Protect your rest and your relationships.
Delete or pause distracting apps. Take a break from social media, games, or news apps that pull your attention in too many directions.
Replace the scroll. Try a book, journal, puzzle, or anything else that gets your brain or hands moving. Reach for something different when boredom hits.
Pay attention to how you feel. Notice your energy, mood and focus before and after your detox time. That feedback is valuable.
Of course, one of the most immersive ways to experience a full digital detox is on an Outward Bound course. Stepping into nature without your phone, surrounded by others doing the same, creates a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with what really matters.
If the idea of a digital detox feels like exactly what you need right now, maybe it's time to take that next step to get out of your head and into your body and into nature.
Our Device-Free Philosophy
Leaving devices behind doesn’t mean losing connection. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Students end up deepening their connection to the important things. Without the constant buzz of notifications, news alerts, and group chats, students can immerse themselves fully in the present. This opens the door to stronger relationships, deeper self-awareness, and a more grounded connection with the whenua (land).
We know that for many, handing over a phone feels like losing a safety net. In our everyday lives, phones are our lifeline to friends, family, comfort, and familiarity. Giving that up can feel uncomfortable and maybe even unsafe at first. But part of what we do at Outward Bound is guide people through discomfort in a safe, supported environment.
Our courses are designed to challenge students both physically and mentally. Learning to navigate life without a device is part of that challenge and the reward is clarity, resilience, and confidence that no app can offer. You don’t need to be on an Outward Bound course to benefit from a digital detox, though it’s one of the most powerful places to experience it.
Why Our Rangatahi Need It More Than Ever
For young people, the experience of a digital detox is especially important. Recent studies have shown that our rangatahi are struggling. Here are some sobering statistics:
The number of 15-24 year-olds experiencing extreme psychological distress has jumped from 5% to 19% in just 10 years.
We have the highest rate of bullying in the OECD.
Only 7% of our young people are getting enough physical activity in their day.
And our teen suicide rates are still among the worst in the world.
(Source: Trends in Wellbeing Aotearoa NZ 2000-2020)
While technology isn’t the only factor, it’s a major one. Constant screen time can affect sleep, stress levels, physical health and how we relate to ourselves and others. By disconnecting from devices while on course, students get the chance to hear their own thoughts, feel their own feelings and find joy in real-time connection.
Our hope is that this experience not only supports mental wellbeing on course, but gives our rangatahi the tools and awareness to create boundaries with technology in their everyday lives.
What About Parents?
We understand this can be a source of anxiety for parents. If your teen is doing an Outward Bound course, especially if it’s their first time away from home, it’s natural to feel nervous. But rest assured, your teen is in good hands. Our instructors prioritise keeping students safe while also empowering them to think for themselves, push through struggles, and connect with new people without the crutch of a guardian or parent. We’re here to empower your teen, not isolate them.
Just because they don’t have a phone during their course, doesn’t mean you can’t get in touch with them. Sending a handwritten letter or care package (best to post it in the first week so it arrives in time) can be a great way to stay connected. Your teen can write back too, but keep in mind, they're constantly on the go at Outward Bound so don't stress if you don't hear back immediately.
Can Students Capture The Experience?
In this digital age, we’re used to documenting everything so it can feel strange not to take photos every five minutes. But at Outward Bound, we encourage students to let go of the pressure to capture the moment and instead be in it.
With that said, we do allow students to bring a digital camera or GoPro, and their instructors will explain how and when it’s appropriate to use them. We’re happy for students to document their experiences as long as it’s not a distraction and not taking them out of the experience.
Questions? We're Here to Help
This might be the first time you or your teen has experienced something like this. That’s okay – it’s meant to feel different. If you have any questions about what to expect on course, our Enrolments team is always here to chat.
Info@outwardbound.co.nz
0800 688 927