Lower thirds:

00:02 Report by / Wade Adams
01:12 Ingrid Wöckl / Teacher

Script:

For kids across Austria it's been a marathon of self sacrifice.

+++ SOT Teacher +++
Who's happy to reach the end. Who's proud of themselves?

More than 70-thousand children -- normally glued to their smartphones -- accepted the challenge to go device-free for three weeks. No scrolling, no videos, no messaging. Instead, the supposedly tech-addicted Gen Alphas had to find other ways to keep themselves amused .

+++ VOXPOPS +++
+++ Sophia Grund, Girl, 11 years old: +++
"What did I do today instead of being on my phone? I rediscovered my love for crafts."

+++ Timo Gabrys, Boy, 12 years old: +++
"I just hung out with friends outside or at the skate park."

+++ Sara Schultz, Girl, 11 years old: +++
"I've been spending a lot more time on my hobby. I play volleyball and I`ve been hanging out with my best friend more often."

The smartphone challenge was an initiative of Austria's public broadcaster ORF. The aim? To promote self-reliance over influencers and friendship over followers.

Despite the short time-frame, some teachers saw a positive change.

+++ SOT Ingrid Wöckl, Teacher: +++
"That they listened more attentively, actually participated more in class, and were happier. You could see happier faces, more well-rested faces."

But now the phones are back, will the screen addiction come back as well. These children at least know it IS possible to turn off... even for just a few weeks. 

END