Piedmont Unplugged is a supportive network of families prioritizing real world experiences and responsible tech use
Technology has opened doors to learning, creativity, and connection like never before. But experts are sounding the alarm that smartphones and social media are primary drivers of the significant increase in mental health issues, like depression and anxiety, among young people.
Parents often fear that limiting smartphones and social media will isolate our kids from their social groups. By joining together, we can create an environment where our kids don’t need a smartphone to feel connected.
Our Goals
Inspired by "The Anxious Generation" by Jonathan Haidt, we have formed a community of families aligned on four research-backed recommendations.
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No smartphones until high school
Let's help our kids enjoy childhood free from the distractions of smartphones
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No social media until 16
We're enabling our kids to navigate adolescence without the often unhealthy social pressures of the online world.
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Fully phone-free schools
By embracing phone-free schools, we unlock deeper focus, improve skills like critical thinking and enable better connection between students and teachers.
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More real-world independence
Giving our kids more real-world freedom reduces the allure of the online world while giving them hands-on experience with tackling life's challenges.
Be a Part of our Movement
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The Goals
Creating a healthier digital environment for our children takes a shared commitment. Through visibly joining this movement, you’ll encourage other families to do the same.
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Be an Ambassador
We’re looking for parent ambassadors at each grade-level at all Piedmont schools. We’ll equip you with everything you need to organize your grade’s families, including access to free copies of “The Anxious Generation.”
Some data we’re thinking about…
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72% of high school teachers say students being distracted by their cellphones in the classroom is a major problem.
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85% of teens surveyed claimed it can be difficult to stop using technology, such as smartphones, once they’ve started using it.
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47% of parents surveyed believe their child has a smartphone addiction.
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4.8 hours: Average number of hours a day that U.S. teens spend using seven popular social media apps
(Sources: Pew Research Center, 2024; Common Sense Media, 2023; Gallup, 2023)