digital detox
HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE BUILD CONNECTION, CONFIDENCE AND BALANCE BEYOND THE SCREEN.
Held during the school holidays, our fully funded 8-day digital reset program supports 12-14 year olds to build confidence and resilience, and gain the tools to create a healthier, more balanced relationship with technology.
Through time away from screens, participants have the opportunity to embrace outdoor adventure, develop meaningful friendships, strengthen their confidence, build leadership skills and learn practical strategies to better manage emotions and develop healthy digital habits.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS:
THORNTON: 27 September – October 4 (Kokoda Park, Thornton QLD)
Delivered by the experienced team at Kokoda Youth Foundation, alongside qualified Outdoor Education instructors and youth wellbeing professionals, DDP combines outdoor adventure, interactive workshops, team building and leadership challenges in a safe and supportive environment that encourages young people to overcome challenges and grow.
Since 2017, we’ve seen hundreds of young people experience a positive shift through DDP, leaving the program with new perspectives, stronger connections and a renewed sense of confidence in themselves.
If you know a young person aged 12-14 who could benefit from this program, we encourage you apply below for our upcoming intake:
8 days of building confidence, resilience, independence and friendships.
DIGITAL RESILIENCE
We understand that every young person’s experiences and challenges with technology use are unique. DDP creates a supportive environment where participants can reflect, build self-awareness and engage in meaningful, guided conversations that help them better understand and navigate the pressures of a digital world.
DDP provides an opportunity to explore the digital challenges most commonly seen among young boys, including excessive gaming, online safety risks such as sextortion, screen dependency and the impact of spending too much time in the online world.
While gaming can be a way for young people to relax and connect, when it comes excessive it can affect wellbeing, relationships and routines. Signs that gaming may be impacting a young person’s wellbeing can include withdrawing from friends and family, changes in school performance, disrupted sleep, reduced interest in offline activities and increased frustration or aggressive behaviour.
DDP helps young people recognise these patterns, better understand their relationship with technology, develop practical tools to manage these behaviours, while building healthier digital habits.
A high screen time, spending more than three hours a day on social media has been linked to increased distress, loneliness, and lower levels of optimism in young girls. Studies also find that an alarming 1 in 2 Australian children experience cyberbullying, with girls particularly affected by appearance-based harassment and online comparison culture. However, many young girls lack the digital literacy to recognise, navigate or report this harmful content.
For young girls, DDP goes beyond reducing screen time, by helping participants recognise and navigate these pressures of the digital world and impact of social media on self-worth. The 8-day reset creates a space for participants to connect with themselves, discover their strengths and sense of self, while forming meaningful friendships and connections in the real world.
Parents often observe a meaningful shift in young girls, returning home with increased independence, leadership capability and the confidence to embrace new challenges.
camp activities
FLYING FOX
SWIMMING POOL
ARCHERY
CLIMBING TOWER
GIANT SWING
HIGH ROPES COURSE
SOLO REFLECTION
PROBLEM-SOLVING CHALLENGES
CAMPFIRE DISCUSSIONS
LEADERSHIP WORKSHOPS
CRATE STACK
ORIENTEERING & BUSH SKILLS
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Meet new friends with like-minded interests
- Enjoy outdoor activities like flying fox, giant swing & high ropes
- Attend interactive workshops that equip skills to manage social media and tech habits
- Spend two nights camping in tents with campfire cooking
- Participate in fun, evening team activities
- Have parent/guardian participant for final two days
- Develop confidence and learn techniques to overcome digital reliance
- Fully funded camp including accomodation and nutritious meals
FREQUENTLY ASKED DDP QUESTIONS
The program is designed for young people aged 12–14 years who would benefit from taking a break from technology and developing stronger social, emotional and leadership skills.
Rather than removing devices completely, the Digital Detox Program helps young people develop practical skills needed to create lasting, healthy relationships with technology. Through interactive workshops, meaningful conversations with peers and experienced program leaders and real-workd experiences, participants are encouraged to step outsie their comfort zone.
Participants leave the program with:
- Greater confidence, independence an self believe
- Improved communication and social skills
- New friendships and sense of belonging with real life connections
- Better emotional regulation
- Increased resilience, leadership and teamwork skills
- Practical strategies to navigate the online world safely and confidently
- Greater awareness of technology’s impact and practical tools to build healthier digital habits
- Lasting memories and appreciation for real world experiences
Participants stay in supervised accommodation with separate sleeping arrangements for boys and girls. Accommodation is safe, comfortable and suited to the outdoor nature of the program.
Digital Detox Program is fully funded by Kokoda Youth Foundation, with no cost to families involved.
Yes. We work with families to accommodate dietary needs, allergies and relevant medical conditions wherever possible. These details are collected during the application process.
Applications can be completed online via this form. Places are limited, so we encourage families to apply early.
social media age restrictions
New age-restriction laws mean that social media platforms will no longer be allowed to let anyone under 16 create or keep an account. While the purpose is protective—reducing exposure to addictive design features and harmful content—the change will feel enormous for young people who’ve grown up seeing social media as a primary connection point.
For many families, this upcoming shift feels confusing, abrupt and overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. With preparation, support and the right tools, young people can transition into this new digital landscape with their confidence and wellbeing intact. To help teens understand the reason for these changes, watch the video linked here.
Social media isn’t just entertainment for teens—it’s a place where identity is expressed, friendships are built, communities are joined, and creativity is shared. Losing access overnight could feel like losing a lifeline.
This is a significant change, and it’s normal for young people to feel anxious, angry, lonely or disconnected. As a parent, you can help them build their support network by encouraging them to talk to trusted adults, teachers, older siblings, mentors or counsellors. We have provided our perspective on what’s changing, why early preparation matters—and how families can turn this challenge into an opportunity for healthier digital habits. We’re here to help families navigate every step of the way…
Without proactive planning:
- Important memories may disappear.
- Teens may feel socially isolated.
- Panic and emotional distress can escalate.
help to MANAGE Social Media Changes
1. Understand What’s Changing and Talk About It Early
Before anything else, make sure young people know:
What platforms may be affected
> Why the changes are happening
> What it will mean for their daily life.
2. Encourage open conversations by Asking
Which parts of your online world matter to you most? > What are you worried about losing? > How can we work together to prepare?
3. Audit Their Digital World
Sit down together and list:
Every social media account your young person has, such as > Group chats, creators, influencers > social media communities & support services...
This “digital map” helps teens see clearly what needs to be saved, shifted or replaced.
4. Map Out Their Online Communities
Young people may fear losing: Contact with friends > Access to content that inspires them > A sense of belonging.
Help them identify who they want to stay connected with & which alternate channels they can use...
This that the change isn’t the end—its a shift.
4. Explore Alternative Ways they can Connect with friends
Exchange phone numbers with close friends (privately) > Set up age-appropriate messaging apps > Plan in-person catchups > Explore interests offline... remind them that Connection doesn’t disappear—it evolves.
5. Help them Preserve Their Digital Memories...
Back up important photos, videos, chats and posts > Download or screenshot digital memories > Save content to a shared family drive.
These memories matter & deserve to be protected.
6. Avoid the Last-Minute Shock
A sudden transition will be harder so reduce the shock by Muting notifications now > Gradually reducing screen time > Setting a personal “step-down” date... A slow ramp-down is healthier than a hard stop.
7. Our fully-funded Digital Detox Program is here to help
DDP participants enjoy an 8 day break from technology > Tools for digital self-regulation > Strategies for healthy online habits > exciting outdoor adventures > A chance to make new friends & reconnect with the real world.
screen smarts program for schools
Our new Screen Smarts Program gives schools the chance to benefit from Kokoda Youth Foundation’s accredited Digital Detox Program modules, for larger groups of students – including those in Primary School. This program is also held at Kokoda Park and can be tailored to the school’s preferred content focus areas, outdoor activities, year level and duration, depending on the needs of students.
We look forward to partnering with your school to help more young people develop healthy, long-lasting habits around their device use. Please contact the Digital Detox Program Coordinator to discuss the Screen Smarts program for your school via ddp@kokodayouthfoundation.com
VOLUNTEER WITH DDP!
Are you passionate about helping young people disconnect from digital distractions, rediscover meaningful connections, and build healthier habits? Join us as a Digital Detox Program (DDP) leader and make a lasting impact on their lives today!
As a DDP leader, you’ll empower youth to reclaim their time, nurture creativity, strengthen personal relationships, and embrace the joys of a balanced life free from constant screen dependence. Through engaging workshops, team-building activities, and real-world interactions, you’ll play a crucial role in fostering resilience, self-awareness, and emotional well-being in the next generation. Apply now and be the catalyst for positive change!
