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No screens for days: A family's digital detox challenge

The average American checks their phone 80 times a day and that number is on a steady rise, according to a recent study. And some experts say too much screen time, whether it's a cellphone, TV or computers -- is transforming our behavior.

The Vernon family said the all-consuming ring of the phone, the click of video games and non-stop entertainment was zapping the one thing they wanted the most: “A connection,” Lisa Vernon said.

Vernon, her husband Brian, and three kids accepted the challenge to go on a digital detox -- no screens for three days. She agreed, saying, it was time to do something drastic.

"How could I be alone in a family of five? And I’m sure others feel the same way,” Vernon said.

A recent study by the University of Pittsburgh discovered the more time young adults use social media, the more likely they are to feel socially isolated. And that could affect a person’s entire psychology.

Through an up-close and personal social experiment, the family gave up their gadgets and screens. They were happy and more productive.

Elizabeth, 15, said this during her first official day of the detox: “I’ve had a really productive day, I’m actually really excited. I’m in the process of power-cleaning my room. I finished my homework,” she said.

A study from the group Common Sense says 50 percent of teens feel addicted to their phones. When Elizabeth's phone was taken away, her dad saw a transformation.

"Well today, my teenager wanted to hang out with me. That never happens with teenagers, especially mine,” Brian Mullis said.

Day 2 was a little harder.

"I wish I had a dollar for every time they’ve asked to play Minecraft. I could probably go have a nice dinner, at the very least,” Mullis said.

Without a screen to turn to, his 10- and 4-year-old kids figured out they could play … with each other. The family even built a bonfire at night.

"Madison kept talking about how nice it was. Sitting around the fire, wrapped up in blankets because it was kind of chilly,” Mullis said.

For three days, every minute counted for this family.

"You don't realize how much that eats up. It's just little bit by little bit by little bit,” Vernon said. In the past, taking away the technology that connects them with the world would have been felt like a punishment, she said. After this experience, a daily digital detox left this family feeling more connected than ever.

They plan to put devices in a lock box from time to time from now on, to ensure quality family time.