Cape Elizabeth Parents Say “We Can Do Better”:
Reclaiming Childhood from Big Tech
CHECK OUT THE JUNE NEWSLETTER!
CHECK OUT THE JUNE NEWSLETTER!
Check Out CATT’s June Newsletter!
June Newsletter: Big Wins for Phone-Free Schools in Maine 📵
Portland just voted unanimously for bell-to-bell phone bans, and Governor Mills signed a new law requiring all Maine schools to create cellphone policies. The early results from schools that have already gone phone-free? Pretty amazing—fewer suspensions, better focus, and teachers who actually enjoy teaching again.
We've also got an important heads-up about online safety threats targeting kids through gaming platforms, plus a super inspiring story about Montauk teens who traded their social media addiction for running their own profitable print newspaper (seriously, these kids are crushing it).
If you're navigating the whole kids-and-tech thing like the rest of us, come check out what's happening in our community. We're also beta testing a new online space this summer where parents can actually talk about this stuff without judgment.
Beyond the Screen: Building a Thoughtful Tech Community for Cape Elizabeth Families
Navigating the digital age of parenting is no easy feat. We're all trying to figure this out, and none of us have all the answers.
Maybe you've given your child a smartphone and you're curious about exploring other solutions.
Maybe you're feeling pressured to give them one, even though your gut says otherwise. Or maybe you're just not sure what to do.
Wherever you are on this journey, you have a place in our alliance.
You won't have to feel alone in grappling with these issues, like you're failing no matter what decision you make, or like you're constantly policing your kids.
Together, we can navigate this complex landscape with grace and understanding.
We're here to support each other in being more thoughtful about tech, without judgment or shame.
Inspired by Jonathan Haidt's The Anxious Generation, our mission is to empower kids, parents, and educators in our community to create a more thoughtful childhood rich in critical thinking, nature exploration, creative play, hands-on learning, and the freedom to make mistakes and grow.
What will make a difference is coming together as a community, sharing our experiences, and learning from one another.
As part of that effort, we advocate for:
No smartphones before high school,
No social media before 16,
No phones in schools, and
More free, independent play.
These guidelines aim to give kids the space to engage with the real world and develop into well-rounded, resilient individuals who are empathetic, curious, playful, kind, and confident in their own abilities.
Technology has advanced at a mind-boggling pace, and society is still catching up. But one thing remains certain: the power of community to effect change.
By uniting as parents, educators, and advocates, we can give our children the tools they need to thrive in the digital age and beyond.
Connect With Us
Click here to check out our most recent newsletter.
And find out how to get involved, connect, and learn more about our mission.
lucie.scholz79@gmail.com
kira@kirahug.com