Mothers Against Media Addiction

Check out this great article by one of MAMA’s Seattle Chapter Leaders, Meghan Kaul, that makes the case for bringing back the landline to help kids build independence, stay connected, and delay smartphone reliance. Filled with lots of helpful tips! ??? https://lnkd.in/emWFeuTm

MAMA is in Austin for SXSW! Let us know if you're here -- we'd love to connect!

MAMA gathered this week with other advocates, educators, school staff, and healthcare workers in Melville for NYSUT’s Disconnected conference, diving into the urgent impact of cellphones and social media on learning. As New York considers a bell-to-bell cellphone ban in schools, we had powerful conversations about student well-being, digital addiction, and policies that put kids first. https://lnkd.in/esTE_Urd

Friendly reminder that tonight’s Expert Insights Series event with Jo Frost has been postponed due to a scheduling conflict. Stay tuned for updates!

MAMA was honored to be a part of NYSUT's Disconnected NY conference tour, supporting educators on the front lines of addressing the harmful consequences of cellphones, social media, and technology on our kids. ?? We heard from incredible panelists and had powerful conversations about the mental health effects of screen time, declining attention spans, and policies that help students thrive — because balancing digital and real-world learning has never been more important. A huge thank you to Sheetal Sheth, who represented MAMA as an ambassador at yesterday’s Long Island conference, and to Muna Heaven, who represented MAMA in Syracuse last week ?? MAMA team member Elizabeth Mitchell kicked things off last month in Plattsburgh. To the teachers, social workers, nurses, aides, principals, and other professionals who spend every day on the front lines doing what’s best for our kids—we see you, we appreciate you and we stand with you in putting kids before endless profits for tech companies! ?? Jamal Walcott, Principal Bayport-Blue Point High School w MAMA’s Fiona Zeman; Raj Goyle, founder Phone Free New York, with actress, author and MAMA Ambassador Sheetal Sheth; YONDR rep Kelvin Tirado shows off his MAMA cap; Muna Haven, child welfare attorney and MAMA Chapter Leader, MAMA Founder Julie Scelfo, Melinda Person, President, NYSUT, and Lonnie Threatte, Asst to the NYSUT President; Julie Scelfo w NYSUT’s TK;, Julie with NY State School Counselor Association President Lysa Mullady.

Georgia's House has passed HB 340, a bill requiring local school districts to ban student phones in schools at least through eighth grade, aiming to reduce distractions and cyberbullying in classrooms. The bill must pass the Senate before the legislative session ends on April 4 in order to potentially become law. https://lnkd.in/enBXEJba

Texas HB 515, introduced by Rep. Ellen Troxclair would ban student personal device use during the school day to address distractions, bullying, and mental health concerns. The bill requires devices to be stored securely, allows medical exemptions with a doctor’s note, and directs the Texas Education Agency to report on its impact.

These platforms are not safe. Period. https://lnkd.in/esngts6C

?? According to a report from Common Sense Media released today, 40% of toddlers have their own tablet by the age of 2. https://lnkd.in/enS5u7Uz

Last Friday, Apple launched the iPhone 16e, a cheaper version priced at $599. While it’s designed to compete with Google and Samsung, this price tag will make it harder for parents to resist the pressure of buying an iPhone for their kids. But despite the lower price tag, the cost to kids' mental health remains the same. The iPhone 16e still comes with misleading app ratings, flawed parental controls, and addictive algorithms that contribute to the growing youth mental health crisis. At MAMA, we’re empowering parents to take a stand and push back against Big Tech’s harmful influence. We must be intentional about what we choose to allow in our homes—and together, we can drive the change our kids deserve.