Birmingham Launches Digital Detox Week for Families

Birmingham, Alabama, July 24, 2025

News Summary

Courtney Woods, a Birmingham entrepreneur, is launching Digital Detox Week to help Alabama families combat screen addiction. Running from July 24 to August 5, the initiative includes various free activities aiming to enhance mental health and interpersonal connections as the new school year approaches. This event coincides with Alabama’s FOCUS Act, which restricts cellphone usage in public K-12 schools, underlining the importance of managing screen time for better family dynamics and well-being.

Birmingham entrepreneur Courtney Woods is set to launch “Digital Detox Week,” an initiative aimed at helping families in Alabama combat screen addiction as the new school year approaches. This event will feature a series of activities from July 24 to August 5, inviting the public to participate in a digital detox designed to focus on mental health and strengthen interpersonal relationships.

The initiative comes on the heels of Alabama’s newly passed FOCUS Act, which imposes restrictions on cellphone use during instructional time in public K-12 schools. This legislative move aims to reduce distractions in the classroom and promote a learning environment free from digital interruptions. Woods notes that the Digital Detox Week is particularly relevant as students and families prepare for the forthcoming school year and adapt to these new policies.

Woods, the founder of PC Media Techs, emphasizes the importance of developing strategies at home for managing screen time. She believes that the challenges imposed by constant digital connectivity can negatively impact family dynamics and mental well-being. The Digital Detox Week seeks to guide participants in unplugging from the notifications and distractions that accompany everyday technology use.

The free events during Digital Detox Week will offer workshops, activities, and discussions focused on the benefits of reducing screen time. Woods hopes to equip families with the tools necessary for creating healthy digital habits. She is also serving as a consultant to Bessemer City Schools to aid in their transition toward compliance with the FOCUS Act, a role that underscores her commitment to the community’s educational health.

Woods highlights that a digital detox involves intentionally taking a break from screens, including smartphones and tablets, to reconnect with oneself and others. Research indicates that excessive screen time can lead to disrupted sleep patterns, heightened anxiety, and cognitive overload, particularly among younger demographics. The Digital Detox Week is designed to promote awareness of these potential consequences while encouraging proactive management of personal technology usage.

This initiative aligns with a growing concern among health experts about screen time in children and adolescents, suggesting that eliminating digital distractions can foster better focus and improved mental health. By participating in Digital Detox Week, families may discover new leisure activities that do not revolve around screens, fostering stronger connections among family members.

As the school year nears, Digital Detox Week offers a timely opportunity for families to reassess their relationship with technology. By addressing these challenges before classes resume, Woods aims to create a supportive environment that values both education and personal well-being.

Key Features of Digital Detox Week

• Date: July 24 – August 5
• Location: Birmingham, Alabama
• Host: Courtney Woods, founder of PC Media Techs
• Purpose: Help families reduce screen time and improve mental health
• Activities: Workshops, discussions, and fun activities
• Cost: Free to the public

FAQ

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• AL.com: Digital Detox Week in Birmingham
• Wikipedia: Social Media Addiction
• AL.com: Employee Theft at Birmingham Water Utility
• Google Search: Water Utility Theft
• AL.com: Birmingham Demographic Analysis
• Google Scholar: City Demographics
• AL.com: Birmingham Choir on America’s Got Talent
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Talent Show
• AL.com: Birmingham Mayor Election Candidates
• Google News: Mayor Election Birmingham

Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER

The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.