Unplug with us...
Although the weather is making us all want to stay in right now, we have several opportunities coming up in March to learn more about unplugging and connect with the New Canaan Unplugged team in person. See below for details and mark your calendars!
4th to 5th grade transition meeting
March 4, 2026
Stop by the New Canaan Unplugged table during the 4th to 5th grade transition night at Saxe on Wednesday, March 4th. We'll have information about how to manage the transition from Elementary school to the Intermediate School without needing a phone and share ideas for the whole family to unplug. We'd love to hear your thoughts on managing technology through big transitions like the change to the Intermediate School and beyond. Look forward to seeing you there!
Global Day of Unplugging
March 6-7, 2026
Since 2009, the Global Day of Unplugging has hosted a worldwide 24-hour digital pause where people and communities power down devices and power on real-world connection. Whether you unplug for one hour or the full 24, solo or with a group, this is your chance to step into a global moment of authentic human connection.
This year, New Canaan Unplugged is proud to support this worldwide movement by partnering with Saxe Intermediate and Saxe Middle School on in-class activities around unplugging. Students will be prompted to think critically about their technology use and discuss opportunities to improve the balance with offline activities. Additionally, in the week leading up to March 6th, we'll be sending emails with ideas and tips for unplugging now, and in the future.
Unplugged Book Discussion Rescheduled!
Friday March 13, 2026
Please join us for our rescheduled book discussion of Jean Twenge's book, 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World on March 13, 2026. It has practical recommendations for parents and illuminating real life experiences from Jean's own struggles with raising her teen-agers.
When: Friday March 13, 2026 at 9:30am
Where: Le Pain Quotidien - 81 Elm Street, New Canaan
LET GROW in New Canaan
Pilot program underway and community initiatives launching this spring
Last fall, New Canaan Cares brought renowned speaker Lenore Skenazy to town for a lively conversation about the importance of fostering childhood independence. Building on the ideas presented in her talk and through Let Grow.org, New Canaan will be joining the movement with a pilot program currently underway at West School, along with other initiatives launching this spring to reclaim childhood experiences and normalize independence at a young age. New Canaan Unplugged is very excited to support the Let Grow Task Force in creating more opportunities for childhood independence.
ARTICLES WORTH YOUR TIME
7 Reasons Teens Say No to AI - Parents can’t help but worry about how a lack of AI preparedness will affect their kids’ future career prospects. But many kids are reluctant to embrace the new technology. “I think it’s bad for creativity,” said Willow Nolan, a 16-year-old in Los Angeles. Click HERE to read more on WSJ.com (Subscription may be required)
Screen Limits for Children are No Longer Enough - The American Academy of Pediatrics has released new guidance on how to protect children’s mental health in the digital age – emphasizing the need for systemic changes as well as parental engagement that goes beyond limiting screen time. Click HERE to read the report from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Click HERE to read the article about it on The Guardian.com.
The Rise of Low-Tech Parenting - Last fall, an article appeared in The Free Press that articulated something that many of us have instinctively felt - It’s not just our kids who need to be dragged off screens. It’s us. A growing number of parents, teachers, and even former tech executives are trying to turn back the clock. The new trend in children’s toys is not more innovation, but less. Simpler, slower, nostalgic—analog. Click HERE to read the article on The Free Press.com (Subscription may be required)
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.
