Unplug This Summer

Summer is an ideal time to reset your relationship with technolgy, no matter what age you are. In this newsletter, we’ve compiled several ideas to help you and your family begin unplugging in a way that works for you.

• GO GREY - The bright colors on your phone make it harder to put it down. Turn on grayscale to make your phone less eniticing and reduce device time. Click HERE to find Greyscale in your phone settings.
• MAKE YOUR SMART PHONE “DUMBER” - Without getting a new device, experiment with a less addictive phone configuration. Click HERE for a rundown of all the ways to make your phone less “smart”.
• LIMIT CONTENT ACCESS - Compiled by Chrissy Khachane of Gowan Placement, click HERE for a practical list of how to limit content access on a smart phone.
• TRY A FAMILY PHONE - Instead of giving kids a permanent communication device, let kids borrow a phone when out of the house. They have a way to contact you when they need it, but return the phone when back home.
• “DECONSTRUCT” YOUR TECH - We know that the rise of mental health problems and screens correlates to the combination of smart phone + self-facing camera + social media.  (Haidt - Anxious generation) Create intentionality by separating the three:
  •  Consider a digital camera that requires you to download photos and think before sharing.  
  • Consider keeping social media on devices that stay at home.  
  • Consider a "Dumb" phone rather than a computer in your pocket.

UPCOMING CONVERSATIONS

BOOK DISCUSSION

ELM STREET BOOKS - Tuesday July 9, 2024 6-7pm

Join us for a discussion about The Anxious Generation, the recent book by Jonathan Haidt. This facilitated discussion will dive into the book’s main ideas and tackle questions about the impact of technology and social media on young children.

UNPLUGGED OPEN HOUSE

NEW CANAAN NATURE CENTER - Sunday July 14, 2024 @ 3-5pm

New Canaan Unplugged will host an open conversation around navigating childhood tecnology use at the New Canaan Nature Center. Please join us to learn about healthier techonology options and hear stories of how families have successfully unplugged. It will be an excellent opportunity to connect with parents who are wrestling with similar questions.

Help New Canaan Unplug

If you are interested in creating a healthier relationship with technology for our children, please check out our survey HERE to let us know how you can help.

New Canaan Unplugged is a parent-run group completely independent from the New Canaan Public School System and the Town of New Canaan.