Siblings turn their struggle into a movement using interactive games and more
JOHOR BARU: Like many teens, Liew Li Xuan developed an unhealthy screen addiction and was glued to her smartphone during the Covid-19 pandemic, which affected her grades and even sparked frequent arguments with her father.
Now, the 18-year-old has turned her personal struggle into a movement to help other youths unplug from the digital world.
“Back then, I was addicted to doom-scrolling and spent excessive amounts of time online. I often argued with my father, who intervened by changing our home’s Wi-Fi password and confiscating my phone.
“Although I was furious at the time, it was also a turning point. After some reflection, I realised I had to regain control of my life rather than let my unhealthy habits take over,” she said in an interview.
Together with her 16-year-old brother Yu Wei, the siblings started LifeUp Organisation two years ago to promote digital detox and healthier online habits among children and teenagers.
With the support from their father, the teens began conducting online and in-person activities to encourage digital well-being, tackle cyberbullying and educate youths on online scams.
To date, they have attracted participants as young as 10 and older adults, using interactive methods such as mini games and puzzles to convey their message.
“We have seen that even children under 12, who have access to social media, are affected by curated content, which can harm their self-worth and confidence.
“This is why our work is important – to help them take a step back and live more intentionally,” said Li Xuan.
She added that one of their most effective initiatives is their regular screen-time reduction challenge.
“We encouraged people to cut their screen time by at least 20%, but some managed to reduce it by up to 95% through conscious effort. That really encouraged us to keep going,” she said.
The siblings fund their programmes through self-raised funds and sponsorships from multinational companies.
Beyond digital detox workshops, the siblings, along with eight other volunteers, have also organised community service activities at charity homes in Johor Baru.
Li Xuan’s work also led to her appointment as a speaker under the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission’s Safe Internet Campaign, where she gives talks to pupils in Chinese schools in Johor on internet safety and healthy digital habits.
“Our group has recently started a podcast in hopes of reaching out to more people about the importance of taking a digital detox,” she added.
Li Xuan, who will be pursuing A-Levels at a private college in Selangor this August, said she has gained valuable leadership and organisational experience through her activities.
“As my peers and I further our studies across the country, we hope to start similar movements in our respective campuses,” she added.
Now that she has turned 18, Li Xuan hopes to formally register the group under the Registrar of Societies to expand their programmes and reach more communities.
“I want to continue this journey and inspire more young people to take charge of their digital wellbeing,” she said.
