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As part of its youth mental health series, the Albert Lea Tribune has organized a Screen-Free Week next week, May 4-10.

Both youth and adults are invited to participate.

Pledge cards can be picked up at the Tribune or one of the seven participating businesses and organizations: Albert Lea YMCA, United Way of Freeborn County, Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau, Robert Hoffman Realty, Albert Lea High School, Albert Lea Public Library or the Blue Zones offices (Albert Lea City Hall).

While we recognize that saying goodbye to screens for the week will be difficult, research shows that it will be beneficial.

The pledge includes abstaining from all social media, whether on the phone, computer or another device and only using cell phones for phone calls or essential text messages. It also includes not watching TV, playing video games or using the computer, unless required for a school or work assignment.

People who complete the week will be entered into a drawing for prizes.

Tribune Publisher Crystal Miller said the effects of anxiety are becoming more prevalent, and she is noticing it herself at work and at home.

“I find myself never fully relaxing, even when I am relaxing,” Miller said. “For example, I often watch TV and play a game on my phone or read emails. I’m rarely ‘in the moment.’”

Earlier this year, she said she read a report from the Center for Rural Policy and Development about anxiety and mental health. While she said she knew they were becoming bigger problems, it was alarming when she saw the data with it.

“I’ve been sitting around, waiting for someone else to start fixing the problem and helping our youth to heal,” she said. “Well, the Tribune decided we could help jumpstart the healing by drawing attention to the heart-sinking data about our youth and the future of our communities.”

Some of the staff members at the Tribune will also be taking part in the initiative, and the Tribune will go silent on Facebook for the week.

We hope you will use the extra time to reconnect in-person with family and friends, to explore the great outdoors in our community or to try something new.

We look forward to hearing how your week goes.