A Technologist’s Viewpoint: Why Tomorrow's Tech Leaders Are Today's Screen-Free Kids
As a technologist who has spent a career building engineering teams and organizations, I want to share with parents what we know but rarely say publicly: the myth that we need to expose our kids to tech early and often so they're prepared for the digital world is not just wrong, it's actively harmful to developing the skills we actually hire for—skills like critical thinking, a growth mindset, emotional intelligence, and self-regulation.
SFCxUS Members “In the Wild”
This month, we’re featuring members of our community from around the country and even around the globe who’ve taken action to help reduce screen time and increase play, for kids and adults alike! We hope that they will inspire you as they have us.
The Problem Is the Product, Not the Kids, and the Solution Is Limiting Access
Youth screen addiction is both rampant and linked to increased suicide risk, a new study found. In response, the media and the experts failed to say the one thing that needs to be said: children’s developing brains are no match for the powerful algorithms engineered to keep them hooked, so we must limit their screen access to protect them from harm.
Parents & Screens: How to Practice What We Preach
Recognizing that we all have unique vulnerabilities when it comes to algorithmic influence, as well as different life circumstances that dictate the extent to which “unplugging” is even possible, I asked some SFCxUS members what strategies they use to be more screen conscious around their kids.
The Only Ingredient You Need to Change Things…
When the Seattle school district started throwing away classroom white boards—unilaterally, without consulting principals—so they could be replaced by digital screens, teachers and advocates fought back.
How to Identify Propaganda From Big Tech When You See It
In today’s era of information overload, it can be challenging to know which digital safety sources to trust and which have a conflict of interest. The good news is that propaganda from the tech lobby is pretty easy to spot once you know what to look for. Here are some tips to help you evaluate digital safety guidance, no matter where it’s coming from, with a critical eye.
SFCxUS Invited to Speak About Phones in Schools at Yale Education Leadership Conference
SFCxUS was invited to participate in the Yale Education Leadership Conference several weeks ago on a panel entitled "Technology in Schools: Should Cell Phones Stay or Go?" Leadership Council member Emily Boddy represented us, speaking powerfully about the academic and social benefits available to students at bell-to-bell phone-free schools.
It’s Not Too Late to Give our Kids F.R.E.E.D.O.M. from Phones!
If you’ve already given your child a device…join the unfortunate club. There are many thousands, perhaps even millions, of parents around the globe who are feeling similarly. But I’m here to tell you that it’s not too late to reverse course, and though downgrading your child’s phone will not be easy, and will most likely require some advanced parenting skills, it is possible, and even more importantly, it is definitely worth the effort.
The Most Important Answer to ADOLESCENCE—Hold On to Your Kids
The movement to protect kids from phones and social media will not succeed unless we the parents address our own perpetual distraction.
Yes, phone bans in schools help when done right
The findings of the new Lancet study on the effectiveness of phone bans in schools do NOT mean phone bans are wrong, but rather that bans alone are not enough to solve the problem.