In Mendota Heights, Minnesota, a new initiative is helping students navigate the challenges of smartphone use through digital wellbeing clubs. These clubs, formed at Two Rivers High School, aim to promote a healthier balance between technology and personal interactions, especially as schools prepare for new cellphone policies.
A recent Minnesota state law mandates that all school districts must establish a cellphone policy by March 2025. In anticipation of this change, Two Rivers High School has proactively created a digital wellbeing club, where students gather to discuss their relationship with technology without the distraction of their devices.
The club meets two to three times a month, providing a space for students to share their experiences and strategies for managing screen time. Junior Olivia Kanavati expressed the dual nature of smartphones, acknowledging their role in communication while also recognizing their potential to consume valuable time that could be spent on more meaningful activities.
The digital wellbeing club collaborates with LiveMore ScreenLess, a nonprofit organization founded by Katherine Myers, a former educator with over 25 years of experience. The organization’s mission is to promote digital wellbeing among young people, helping them thrive in an increasingly digital world.
For over five years, LiveMore ScreenLess has worked with various community stakeholders to support youth in managing their screen time effectively. The partnership has led to initiatives such as “log-off lunches,” where students are encouraged to put away their devices and engage with one another face-to-face.
Students involved in the club have reported significant benefits from their participation. Senior Willa Vogen noted that tracking her screen time led her to question her daily habits, prompting a desire for change. Fellow senior Catalina Martinez shared that the new cellphone policy has positively impacted their focus in class, reducing distractions from social media and other apps.
Junior Evangeline Fuentes highlighted the importance of discussions held during a recent leadership summit, where students engaged with leaders from public health, education, and technology sectors. These conversations focused on the differences in screen use between students and adults, emphasizing the need for intentional technology use.
While the digital wellbeing clubs have made strides in promoting healthier tech habits, Katherine Myers believes there is still much work to be done. She advocates for a more comprehensive approach that begins at a young age, stating, “We need to be at birth” in terms of addressing digital wellbeing.
To further this mission, LiveMore ScreenLess is hosting a free virtual Digital Wellbeing Youth Summit on December 7, aimed at empowering more young people to take control of their digital lives.
As schools adapt to new policies and societal norms around technology use, initiatives like the digital wellbeing clubs at Two Rivers High School are paving the way for a more balanced approach to smartphone use among students.
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