For the month of November, over 100 Swampscott High Students did what many probably thought was unthinkable. They deleted all forms of social media, including streaming services like Netflix, from their devices.

The social media detox was part of a push led by non-profit organization NoSo November. Swampscott High School Nurse Megan Ramirez led the program after learning about NoSo November, and Ramirez provided an overview of the impact during the January 8 School Committee meeting.

“A lot of students were surprised how much they enjoyed it,” said Ramirez.

A school-wide assembly kicked off the month, as many students pledged to take on the challenge. Most that finished agree that staying off of social media gave them more time for other activities.

Ramirez noted that it takes about a month without social media for dopamine levels to return to their “normal” levels.

At the start of November, 317 Swampscott students submitted a survey, with 41% indicating that they believe they spend too much time on their phones. The average daily screen time for those surveyed was 5.5 hours.

Ramirez said she had a stack of books in her office that were rarely touched by students before November. After the challenge started, the books were picked up much more frequently.

Ramirez included quotes in her presentation from students that shared how they focused more and were able to have more time. The students also seem to be using their phones – even if just slightly – less than they were prior to the competition.

“NoSo really helped me be more present in my life,” said one student who participated in the cleanse. “I’ve found that I spend more time with my family, and also that I do more of the things that I love to do.”

Over 50% of students who answered a post-challenge survey said they would consider doing it next November as well. Ramirez called NoSo an overall success at the Swampscott High School.

Some Swampscott parents even joined their children in taking on the challenge, Ramirez said. School Committee Vice Chair Glenn Paster said he took part as well and deleted TikTok off of his phone.

“It was really eye-opening how much we as students are addicted to our phones,” said Sasha Shadari, a student representative on the School Committee who also took part in the detox. “We were all thinking of ways to be on social media less and be more active with each other. I think it helped build conversation between us.”