'Increasing number giving up phones and doom scrolling for lent' says Bishop
The Rt Rev'd Mike Harrison says some of the 'disciplines associated with lent' are changing but are still just as important
Last updated 16th Apr 2025
The Bishop of Exeter says rather than giving up chocolate for lent, this year he's seen a growing trend - across Devon - of giving up social media and so-called 'doom scrolling'.
The Rt Rev'd Mike Harrison has told us some people are also giving their phone 'a day a week's holiday'.
He said: "I think that's a really great idea because unknowingly that kind of addiction to our phones can creep in.
"Then the dependence then on how we're being perceived in terms of social media, none of which is particularly healthy for us in the long run
"I think some of the disciplines associated with lent and easter can really help us."
In the run up to his Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday services the bishop will be spending time with Devon's homeless and also those with addictions - who he says often feel increasingly alienated, alone and isolated at big festival events during the year.