Did you make a resolution to spend less time on your phone in 2026? If so, you're not alone... The Today Show (NBC) featured a segment last week about how people are using a combination of tools, like the Brick or Opal App Blocker to reduce the time
2026 started with exciting news: New Canaan High School will begin implementing a new cell phone policy this year - cell phone use will be prohibited throughout the school day, with designated phone-use areas in the library and cafeteria. Superintendent Luizzi announced the policy change in a January newsletter (available
Looking back at 2025, there were several notable trends (6/7 anyone?) but there was one that the Team at Unplugged got very excited about: A shift toward healthier relationship with technology. From a measurable decline in Social Media use to GenZ seeking more in-person experiences, the distracting presence of
Welcome to the second Holiday Gift Guide from New Canaan Unplugged! We hope you find hours of screen-free fun and connection in these “lower-tech” gift recommendations. Happy Holidays! SIMPLE DEVICES * Camera - Fujifilm Instax, Polaroid, Camp Snap * Music Player - Mighty Vibe, Campfire Player * Digital Watch - Casio G-Shock, Swatch
New Canaan Unplugged's series on family tech stories continues with another parent's perspective on devices for their children. This family has taken a slower approach to introducing technology and is admittedly still feeling their way through the process. If you've been enjoying our series,
We’re taking a brief break from our series on Family Tech Stories to talk about AI. Over the last few weeks, there have been several new features announced on major AI platforms that families should be aware of. Some are exciting changes that enable new ways to use this
Our next Unplugged Family Tech story focuses on how you can make a smart phone work as a first-time phone by bringing it back to basics. Rather than relying on what comes pre-loaded on a phone, you can remove problematic pre-sets and construct a more thoughtful set of apps for
The Unplugged team is excited to share another New Canaan Family's approach to technology. Parents often feel alone with the choices they make around devices, unsure if they are being too strict or too lenient. Ultimately, the best decisions are the ones that work for your family, but
This fall, New Canaan Unplugged will be sharing stories from families in our community highlighting a range of household technology choices. The number of communication options is huge and each family’s needs are distinct, but we can all learn from the different approaches that will be featured. The families
If you are looking into getting a phone for your child before school starts, it's helpful to know about the range of alternatives that can help delay or even replace a smartphone: * First Phones - A smartphone doesn't have to be a kids first phone. There
In many homes, landlines have gone extinct. And in those that still have them, they exist only to field telemarketers and robo calls. But in the last few months, an interesting thing has been happening – landlines are making a comeback - for kids! Families are forming “phone groups” where home
As the school year ends, it’s a great time to reflect on what worked (and what didn't) for your family. If something wasn't working, there is good news - Summer is a terrific time to reset! The change in schedule provides a unique opportunity to