Raising Kids in the Digital Age
- voteheatherhopkins
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
If you're a parent today, you've probably wrestled with questions about technology and your kids. When should they get their first phone? How much screen time is too much? You're not alone—we've been having a lot of these conversations across the LLESD community lately.
Community Conversations
Last month, Principal Wickstrom hosted a discussion on The Anxious Generation, which argues that the shift from play-based to phone-based childhood has contributed to rising teen anxiety and depression. Meanwhile, the PTA is hosting a parent education series on Raising Children in the Digital Age. More conversations will follow.
Considering "Wait Until 8th"
One of the author's recommendations in The Anxious Generation is to consider the "Wait Until 8th" movement, which encourages families to delay giving children smartphones until 8th grade.
Whenever you decide to provide your student with a smartphone, consider taking a look at the organization's guidebook, Our Family's Phone Plan.
California's New Phone-Free School Law
In September 2024, Governor Newsom signed the Phone-Free School Act, requiring all California school districts to adopt a policy limiting smartphone use by July 1, 2026. As a member of the board policy committee, I'm working to update our district's cell phone policy in response to this new law. (Here's our current policy.)
LLESD's Practice
LLESD's clear "gate-to-gate" rule (outlined in the La Entrada handbook on p.13): phones must be silenced and stored in backpacks from the moment students arrive on campus until they leave. If a student needs to contact a parent/guardian, they can do so in the front office with permission from office staff.Thanks to this local support, districts like ours can invest more per student than most others in California. (To dive deeper into how this works, check out my blog post.)
Phones Affect Social Life
It's not uncommon to see La Entrada students sitting together at Starbucks while focused on their individual screens rather than each other. This M-A Chronicle article about the benefits of phone-free lunches at another local high school illustrates how phones can limit genuine interaction among kids.
"In the morning before class, kids are on their phones. Then, at lunch, it looks like a ‘90s movie," English teacher Dave Pirie said. "People are talking to each other, sitting in circles, and even playing spike ball. It’s just nice to see kids enjoying each other’s company.'”
-- Dave Pirie, San Mateo High School teacher
But What About Computers?
It's worth noting that, at school, LLESD students use only school-issued Chromebooks configured to only access district-approved apps (with restrictions). This gives us more control over the digital environment during school hours.
The picture changes in high school, though. Even when phones are put away, computers are open and active, with access to messaging and the internet. It's a balancing act between leveraging technology for learning and managing its distractions. For an interesting student and teacher perspective, check out Woodside High School's Paw Print article: Laptops or notebooks? Teachers and students weigh in on digital vs. paper (proud Mom plug).
Resources to Help You Navigate
Feeling overwhelmed? Here are a couple of organizations working to support parents and educators:
Screen Sense: Helps "parents, schools, and communities keep tech in check so kids thrive in real life". I like their newsletter.
Common Sense Media: Particularly the parent guides (covering kids' digital use, first phones, how to set parental controls on various apps, and more) plus their resources for educators (including lesson plans)
Screen Time Action Network: Dedicated to "collaborating to support children and families in a digital world"
Looking Ahead: AI in Education
Artificial intelligence represents yet another technological frontier schools are grappling with. In response, LLESD has recently established an AI in Education Advisory Committee, which will share updates as its work progresses. The group meets on Wednesdays; if you're interested in participating, contact the superintendent.
By staying informed, setting clear boundaries, and working together, we can help our kids develop a healthy relationship with the digital world—one that enhances rather than detracts from their childhood.
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