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 reconnect-with yourself, with others, with our real world beyond the screen. whether it's sharing meaningful conversations, practicing self-care, or simply being present, every moment offline strengthens relationships and fosters a culture of positivity and kindness.
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 constant distraction, choosing mindfulness over distraction, we cultivate a culture of strength, love and the kind of connection that transforms lives.
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)