Verizon Takes a Stand for Digital Wellness: New Initiatives Unveiled at the First-Ever Digital Wellness Summit

Sampath, CEO of Verizon Consumer, emphasized the importance of building healthy digital habits. “Building healthy habits in our digital lives is essential for overall well-being. Verizon is empowering families to have peace of mind around their children’s online lives by providing resources and tools that promote digital safety - and encouraging kids to put the phones down from time to time,” Sampath stated. This commitment reflects Verizon's mission to ensure technology enhances lives instead of detracting from them.

Verizon is launching several collaborative initiatives designed to foster digital wellness across different age groups and demographics:

Verizon is teaming up with Discovery Education to implement a Digital Citizenship Initiative. This program will provide K-12 students with free resources and skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world. The content will be accessible for free on the Discovery Education Experience platform, which supports engaged classrooms.

In conjunction with the Joan Ganz Cooney Center, Verizon will conduct a research study focusing on the digital well-being of children, particularly those aged 8 to 12. This study aims to identify the challenges families face in technology use and will help shape future digital wellness programs.

Verizon has partnered with My Digital TAT2 to offer complimentary workshops in select retail locations. These workshops will provide parents and caregivers with essential tools to foster children's digital wellness and navigate emerging technology trends.

Verizon is also collaborating with Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP to develop a new digital wellness course aimed at older adults. This course will focus on safe technology use, privacy protection, and maintaining social connections, with offerings available both in-person and virtually through SeniorPlanet.org.

Donna Epps, Chief Responsible Business Officer at Verizon, expressed the company's vision for equitable technology access. “Verizon wants to ensure everyone has the knowledge and skills to use technology safely and responsibly,” Epps said, underscoring the importance of their digital wellness initiatives.

To highlight the importance of offline interactions, Verizon is launching the Verizon Arcade Unplugged, a pop-up experience designed to transform digital gaming into life-sized, interactive challenges. Scheduled for March 7 and March 8, the event aims to promote screen-free family time. This initiative will feature limited general admission tickets and is set to embark on a nationwide tour this summer, with stops in California, Texas, and other major cities.

Verizon is also enhancing its offerings with the Verizon Family app, which provides a comprehensive suite of features for families. This app includes location sharing, parental controls, safe walk with SOS, crash detection, and roadside assistance. Available to all Verizon mobile customers on postpaid plans, the app aims to keep families connected and protected in a digital world.

As a powerhouse in the telecommunications sector, Verizon is not only committed to providing reliable network connectivity but is also pioneering initiatives that promote healthy technology use. With revenues of $134.0 billion in 2023 and a focus on innovation, Verizon is dedicated to equipping its customers for the future while ensuring their digital experiences enhance their lives.

For more information on Verizon's digital wellness initiatives and resources, customers can visit verizon.com/verizonfamily or explore the broader digital landscape at verizon.com/news.