Rally Festival Empowers Teens to Disconnect from Digital Life

A new digital wellness festival, known as Rally, took place on October 14, 2023, at Meridian Hall in Toronto, aiming to encourage teenagers to embrace the idea of being offline. The event attracted thousands, including students, parents, educators, and experts, all focused on fostering healthier relationships with technology.

Rally co-founder Keith Wallace emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that the rise of social media corresponds with a significant increase in youth mental health issues. “There’s a real issue, and if we don’t start helping teenagers today [with] managing this, by the time they’re in the workforce, there’s going to be real issues for all of us,” Wallace explained in an interview.

Wallace, who previously managed the tech-focused Collision Conference, alongside his wife, entertainment host and content creator Brigitte Truong, founded Rally to bring teens and their support networks together. The aim is to empower young people to manage their technology usage and to make being offline appealing.

“We want to help schools figure out solutions and help teenagers know that it’s okay to be unavailable,” Wallace added. The inspiration for Rally emerged during the pandemic, when the couple faced their own challenges with excessive screen time while confined to their apartment. After years in tech, Wallace sought to create an initiative with a more meaningful purpose.

The inaugural event was free for students, with hopes of breaking even through sponsorships from major partners like Bell Let’s Talk, CAMH, and the City of Toronto. The long-term vision includes establishing Rally as an annual event.

Engaging programming featured a live DJ and a variety of speakers who led discussions on topics such as mental health, digital wellness, and media literacy. Attendees were encouraged to turn off their phones, creating an environment with fewer illuminated screens than typically seen at large gatherings.

One of the standout speakers, motivational speaker Sam Demma, shared insights on the importance of curating one’s social media consumption. He likened personal experiences to an invisible backpack filled with stories and beliefs, urging teens to seek support when their burdens become too heavy.

Tonya Johnson, head of communications for Canada at event partner Snapchat, highlighted the significance of events like Rally in fostering online safety dialogues. Snapchat’s participation focused on educating parents and educators about the app’s features designed to promote safe usage among young people.

Grade 12 student and member of the Youth Advisory Committee, Simran Sodha, expressed the dual nature of social media as a tool for connection and a source of self-worth challenges. She remarked, “It’s really hard to catch a break and create healthy boundaries,” pointing out the pressures from platforms that promote idealized versions of life.

The conversation turned to artificial intelligence (AI), which Sodha noted has become increasingly prevalent in young people’s lives. While she acknowledged its utility, she cautioned against using AI as a substitute for genuine human interaction. “If we’re all talking behind AI’s voice, then we’re not really communicating,” she stated.

Wallace and Sodha both advocated for stronger age restrictions and regulations surrounding technological advances. They expressed concerns over the potential for chatbots to replace real friendships, particularly following comments from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg suggesting AI could address loneliness among youth.

Demma shared his personal journey of overcoming mental health challenges after injuries thwarted his ambitions in sports. He credited a year-long social media detox and the guidance of a supportive teacher for helping him navigate difficult times. “I built deeper relationships in real life,” he recalled, reinforcing the theme of the festival that real-life connections are invaluable.

Grade 11 student Ash MacArthur echoed these sentiments, stating that he and his peers are actively trying to cultivate healthier relationships with technology, some opting for minimal or no phone usage. “Just put the phone down. As hard as it might be, you’re not going to be missing out on anything online when you’re engaging in real life,” he advised.

The Rally festival marks a significant step toward addressing the pressing need for digital wellness among youth, fostering a culture that values offline interactions and mental health awareness.