The Hour of Empowear Challenge

Welcome to a movement of mindfulness and connection. Our Zen Zip hoodie isn't just clothing—it's a symbol of our commitment to combat cyberbullying and foster genuine human connections.
For one hour, we invite you to zip up, unplug, and engage. Whether you're spending time with loved ones or practicing self-reflection, each moment spent away from digital distractions is a step towards a kinder, more empathetic world.
By participating, you're not just taking a break—you're taking a stand against cyberbullying and championing meaningful relationships.
Ready to make a difference? Join us as an Ambassador and help spread the message: in a world full of noise, sometimes the most powerful statement is silence.
BECOME AN AMBASSADOR

Effects of Digital Overload

Mental health problems

The suicide rate for teens increased 31% from 2010 to 2015, and the number of adolescents reporting severe depression increased 33%.

Smartphone ownership

Smartphone ownership increased from about half of Americans in 2012 to 92% of teens and young adults in 2015.

Social media use

Daily use of social media increased among teens, from about 50% to more than 80%.

Some factors that may contribute to the link between smartphones and suicide include:

  • Social comparison: Social media can negatively affect adolescents' self-view and interpersonal relationships through social comparison and cyberbullying
    • Sleep deprivation: Excessive smartphone use can interfere with sleep, which is crucial for mental health
  • Social isolation: Feeling socially isolated is a major risk factor for suicide

Some ways to combat smartphone overuse include:

  • Setting a digital curfew
  • Stowing power cords in parents' rooms
  • Using apps like Bark to monitor children's digital communications
  • Openly discussing depression, anxiety, and suicide
BECOME AN AMBASSADOR

Cyberbullying

Individuals who have experienced cyberbullying at some point in their lifetimes have more than doubled from 18% (in 2007) to 37% (in 2019)
(Patchin & Hinduia, 2019)
Over 60% of students who experience cyberbullying reported that it immensely impacted their ability to learn and feel safe while at school
(Hinduja, 2018)
59% of U.S. teens have been bullied or harassed online, and over 90% believe it's a major problem for people their age
(Pew Research Center, 2018)

Self-Harm

Targets of cyberbullying are at a greater risk than others of both self-harm and suicidal behaviors
(John et al., 2018)
Approximately 18% of youth report self-harming at least once
(Monto, McRee, & Deryck, 2018)
About 6% of students have digitally self-harmed or anonymously posted online or shared hurtful content about themselves
(Patchin & Hinduja, 2017)

Suicide

Students who experienced bullying or cyberbullying are nearly two times more likely to attempt suicide
(Hinduja & Patchin, 2018)
Suicide ideation and attempts among adolescents have nearly doubled since 2008
(Plemmons et al., 2018)
making suicide the 2nd leading cause of death for individuals 10-34 years of age
(CDC, 2019)
Approximately 1 in 20 adolescents experience suicide in a single year
(Andriessen, Dudley, Draper, & Mitchell, 2018)

Mental Health

Experience with bullying and cyberbullying are also associated with the development of low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, family problems, academic difficulties, delinquency, school violence, and suicidal thoughts/attempts
(Hinduja, 2018)
Approximately 1 in 5 children and youth in the U.S. experience a serious mental health concern associated with trauma, social isolation, and bullying, yet only 20% of them receive the help they need
(CDC, 2019)
Bullied youth have a significantly higher risk of developing suicidality
(Limbana, Khan, & Eskander, 2020)