Summer Reset

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 re-establish habits around screen time, bed times, reading and more... for yourself and your children. Below are some helpful resources and thought starters to take that first step toward building healthier technology habits this summer:

• Tackle a Difficult Conversation - Its never easy to take away technology, but it is possible. The ScreenAgers blog outlines an approach to having difficult conversations around walking back a phone, removing social media or simply redrawing boundaries around tech use. Click HERE to read the full post.
• Begin a Dopamine Detox - Cal Newport is a champion of "deep work" and hacks to improve your focus. In this 15 minute video podcast he offers highly practical ways to reduce overstimulation in your life. Click HERE to watch the Podcast on YouTube.
• Try a New, Old School Hobby - The Wall Street Journal recently highlighted the crafting trend among 20 somethings looking to spend less time online. From crochet to cross-stitch, scrapbooking to knitting, more young adults are taking up craft projects that use their hands and can be done in a group setting, combining creativity and socializing. Click HERE to read the article (subscription may be required).

CONSIDERED TECHNOLOGY OPTIONS

From time to time, the Unplugged team comes across low tech alternatives to some of today's high-tech devices. In this newsletter we highlight the Campfire Music player, an MP3 player with a touch screen specifically designed for summer camp.

The Campfire player lets kids listen to their music, audio books and more without the distraction that often comes with a screen based player - No browsers, no video, no social media. It gives kids the freedom to explore their own digital music through an easy to navigate touch screen interface. Click HERE to check out the Campfire Player website.

ARTICLES, BOOKS & EVENTS WORTH YOUR TIME

• Apple questions AI Models - Apple has lagged other tech companies in rolling out new AI features to its devices. This recent paper might explain why. Ars Technica breaks down Apple's study that questions whether  AI models truly “reason” through problems. Click HERE to read.
• Learning to Concentrate - NC Unplugged favorite, Jonathan Haidt, talks about a critical skill that kids need before becoming adults and why its harder to build it in today's digital culture. Click HERE to read the article on CNBC.com
• Be Honest, Everyone is using AI for Everything - The Hard Fork podcast, featuring Kevin Rouse and Casey Newton, recently talked through the specifics of who is using AI and for what tasks. Click HERE to read a transcript of the podcast.

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.