digital detox
Helping Young People manage The Pressures Of Digital Dependency
UPCOMING PROGRAMS:
- NSW PROGRAM: 18-25 January 2026 (Teen Ranch, SYDNEY)
- QLD PROGRAM: 12-19 April 2026 (Kokoda Park, THORNTON)
Technology overuse has surged in recent years and is having a profound impact on this generation. To address this growing concern, the Digital Detox Program (DDP) offers early intervention for 12–14-year-olds showing signs of digital dependence.
Held during school holidays, our 8-day fully-funded camp provides the chance for participants to disconnect from technology and engage in various adventure-based and educational activities. DDP is delivered by the experienced team at Kokoda Youth Foundation, alongside a professional counsellor and outdoor education instructors.
Through engaging adventure-based activities and interactive workshops, participants have the chance to completely unplug from technology – yes, no devices allowed!
During the program, participants are encouraged to reflect on their overall wellbeing while learning to develop healthy habits and boundaries around personal device usage.
Interested? Apply for yourself or your child via the button below:
new social media age restrictions
From 10 December 2025, everything changes for young Australians online.
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 below >>
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.
Our message to families: Start now. Start together.
help to prepare for 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 need to stay connected with & which alternate channels they can use to do so... 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 Can Support this Transition... participants enjoy An 8 day break from tech > Tools for digital self-regulation > Strategies for healthy online habits > exciting outdoor adventures > A chance to make new friends & reconnect with the real world.
Time Away from Tech
This program empowers young people through outdoor adventure, personal growth, and digital wellbeing education – all set in a peaceful, supportive, natural environment.
Participants connect with others, take on physical challenges like high ropes, giant swing, archery, and orienteering, and explore mindfulness practices. These activities are designed to build confidence, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment that carries into everyday life.
Workshops explore the impact of social media and gaming, encouraging critical thinking about digital habits. Rather than removing technology, the program teaches healthy balance and how to recognise and manage digital dependency.
Inspired by the values of Kokoda – Courage, Endurance, Mateship, and Sacrifice -participants leave camp with practical tools, lasting connections, and a renewed sense of purpose.
The Detox is only the Beginning
To ensure the best possible outcomes from this youth program, a parent or guardian for each participant will be required to join the final two days of the camp at the outdoor location.
This joint participation allows families to take a unified approach to understanding digital dependence and collaboratively develop strategies for fostering healthier habits at home. It also provides an opportunity for parents to connect more deeply with their teens and reflect on their own digital habits.
If you (or your teen) are aged 12–14 and would benefit from a digital detox this school holiday, apply now to gain the skills and habits needed to thrive in a digital 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.
Become a Digital Detox Volunteer Leader
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!
What to expect
Meet new friends with like-minded interests
Enjoy outdoor activities like flying fox, giant swing & high ropes
Attend interactive workshops that provide skills to help combat peer pressure relating to social media
Spend two nights camping in tents with campfire cooking
Participant in fun, evening team activities
Have parent/guardian participation for final two days
Develop confidence and learn techniques to
overcome digital reliance
Free camp includes accommodation & nutritious meals
