Origin Story
What began as a simple discussion during a conference has now evolved into a growing community of MST parents committed to supporting one another in keeping children phone-free for as long as possible. The initiative was sparked by a talk given by Kira on the dangers of screen exposure, particularly social media, and its impact on children’s development and mental health.
During the Q&A session, parents shared their concerns about the pressure to provide their children with smartphones due to social norms, fearing that denying them access might lead to social exclusion. It became evident that the best way to counteract this peer pressure was through collective action. MST parent Vincent Valdmann proposed the idea of forming a support group, and the positive response was overwhelming. Today, this group called SHIELD (Social Health Initiative for Early Life Development) has grown to over 60 members and continues to expand.
The group operates primarily through a WhatsApp chat and monthly in-person meetings on campus. Thanks to the support of PI Heads Billy and Nathalia, the initiative was integrated into the MST Parent Portal, making it more accessible to interested parents.
SHIELDing Against Social Media
Willow parent Miyako, who had done extensive research on the subject, shared valuable resources, while the meetings have offered a platform for discussions, experience-sharing, and learning. So far, three meetings have taken place, with about ten parents attending each session. Some key resources explored include The Social Dilemma documentary (thesocialdilemma.com) and The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt (anxiousgeneration.com).
Since the group's inception in November, awareness around this issue has significantly increased. Parents have become more engaged and open about their concerns, and it’s clear that these worries are shared by faculty and school administration.
To further the discussion, Kelly Godsoe from Willow and Emily Dowell from Eucalyptus have been invited to share their insights with the group.
Kelly will be speaking on March 7th at 08:40 in the MPR, followed by
Emily on April 7th at the same time and place.
Conversations between James and some parents have led to the SHIELD team drafting a proposal for a future school policy related to screen use.
Five Actionable Steps for Parents
Watch The Social Dilemma
If you haven’t seen it yet, consider watching it with your children if they are old enough. One parent in the group watched it with their 12-year-old, and the discussion that followed was invaluable.
Be a Role Model
Children learn from what they see. Avoid using your phone during family time, at the dinner table, or while talking to them.
Prioritize Play Over Screens
A play-based childhood is essential for development. Avoid transitioning your child too quickly into a screen-based lifestyle. (The Anxious Generation explores this in detail.)
Educate Yourself
The more you understand the impact of screens, the better equipped you will be to guide your children. Read books, research, and engage in discussions.
Join the Conversation
Participate in our meetings, share your experiences, and help shape the future of this initiative at MST.
Middle School Experiment
Some Middle School students have taken it upon themselves to explore life without smartphones. As part of a voluntary challenge, they have surrendered their devices for temporary safekeeping in the Grove Campus safe. The week-long experiment will allow them to observe and reflect on changes in their daily behaviors and interactions. At the end of the challenge, their smartphones will be returned, providing a unique opportunity to discuss and evaluate the impact of this digital detox.
This initiative is just the beginning of a broader conversation at MST. By working together, parents, faculty, and students can foster a healthier relationship with technology, ensuring that children grow up in an environment that prioritizes their well-being over screen dependency.
–Vincent Valdmann and Maria Hovi