SFCxUS Members “In the Wild”
Community. It’s something that’s been at the forefront of a lot of minds in recent years, and for me, it’s become an especially meaningful concept as I’ve helped to organize SFCxUS over the past year. The dictionary describes community as a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals. This is just what we’ve been creating here at the Smartphone Free Childhood US, and we hope that you can feel it as much as we do.
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, to continue to forge a path that might not be mainstream, and may not even be welcomed by some.
But as we remember who we’re doing this for: our kids, our families, our schools, and our local communities, and as we stand together in solidarity, may each step on our paths become a bit easier. And a reminder of what Margaret Mead said on the subject: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Thank you for your unwavering support as we continue on this journey together, one step at a time.
~Kathleen
SFCxUS Leadership Council
Dale, Jen, Kelli, & Marlena
The Oakton Balance Project
~ Vienna & Oakton, Virginia ~
The Oakton Balance Project began from the chance connection of a few parents who happened to be asking the same questions at the same time. We quickly realized that we had more questions than answers, but more importantly that we shared values, hopes, and a desire to do better for our kids.
Some of the questions we shared included: How can we help our kids navigate the digital world thoughtfully—at home and at school? How do we connect with other families interested in raising children more intentionally without peer pressure? How do we create space for our kids to just be kids?
In the past nine months, we have connected and collaborated in the following ways: started monthly playdates at our elementary school playground, had a board game drive at school to supply classrooms with indoor recess activities, held a kids, phones, and technology panel with over 55 attendees, helped to implement changes at school with laptops, including a “laptop break” for Spring Break and clarification about computer use at school, on the bus and at home.
Our goal isn't to be the authority nor to have all the answers. Our goal is to create a safe place for parents to ask questions, share ideas, and support each other. Over time, through asking questions, sharing our vision, and consistently showing up, we've built a meaningful community.
Elianajoy Volin
Volunteering, Ultimate Frisbee, & Neighborhood Play
~ Denver, Colorado ~
Volunteering is one of my favorite ways to reduce my screen time and build community. Most recently, I loved volunteering at the Sylvania Community Cafe and the Exeter Community Garden during my year abroad in the UK. I found both to be such fun ways to build intergenerational communities and contribute to great causes.
As for play, I learned how to play ultimate frisbee in Ohio, and I loved playing on a team in England and being part of the Denver Summer Ultimate League. Frisbee teams, no matter where they are, are always so welcoming and silly, with punny cheers and spirit prizes for the opposing team.
Finally, we really prioritize outdoor play in my neighborhood, from the annual water balloon fight at our block party, to the swing we put up in our front yard for all the neighbors, to the frequent impromptu tours we give of the chickens in our backyard.
Sebastian Steinbach
Heed the Children
~ Burlingame, California ~
In the fall of 2023, I began advocating for a more phone-free childhood by tabling at our local middle school’s back-to-school night. Many parents showed interest, but only a few consistently participated. I realized I needed to keep leading while inviting others to join. When I did connect with other committed parents, our collaboration brought fresh energy and ideas.
I’ve learned that while educating parents about tech harms is helpful, the biggest impact comes from creating real-world opportunities for kids to connect—bike rides, board game nights, or cardboard-building sessions. These moments foster lasting memories and community. Partnering with PTAs made our efforts even more effective, and alliances with the Rec Center and Chamber of Commerce helped us grow. Regular online meetings with local leaders through Heed the Children Community Calls were also a valuable support.
Allie Terry & Liz Jenkins
G-Rated Schools
~ Sandy, Utah ~
Allie Terry and Liz Jenkins, two mothers in Sandy, Utah, are making waves in their school district and around the nation. In March they started an Instagram account, @g_rated_school to show the access children have to harmful, distracting, and persuasive content through school-issued devices (such as chromebooks and iPads). The account educates followers—other parents, educators, school administrators, and legislators—about the persuasive design philosophies and data collection without parental consent by these digital platforms.
By raising awareness, Allie and Liz hope to foster a safer, healthier digital learning environment where technology serves education without compromising student safety or well being. Because of their efforts, legislators in Utah are constructing a bill governing safe, legal, and effective technology in public schools. Follow them on Instagram - they would love to connect with you!
Calvin Odera & Charity Simwenyi
Digital Health & Education Network - Kenya (DHEN-K)
~ Nairobi, Kenya ~
DHEN-K is a grassroots organization dedicated to awareness, creation, research, education and advocacy on the impact of screen exposure and digital media on human social and mental health. We organize screen-free events and community engagement sessions, to provide alternative options for children's entertainment and learning.
Through our intra-community facilitation programs, we share research studies, data and good practice, to create awareness and enhance intentional and responsible digital technology adoption. Our focus has been to foster collective social initiatives that combat FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), as we instead promote JOMO (Joy of Missing Out) one family, one community at a time.
Patti Fletcher
Homeschool Group
~ California ~
For our homeschool group we started a board game night with dinner at our house, moms welcome. We got the moms playing board games too. We got the basketball hoop out front and I don't allow my kiddo to play screens so the kids actually played outside like we used to do, on skates, on bikes, with balls, stuff from the garage.
For the 4th of July, I'm just mostly saving my own kiddo from screens, so we will go to Grandma's house for a smaller town parade, then meet up with our tiny elderly church to sell ice cream bars to passing cars (fundraiser), talking to people etc. Finally, off to a BBQ at Grandma's house and fireworks from her deck, if we can see them.
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