Cape Elizabeth Parents Say “Enough is Enough”:

Reclaiming Childhood from Big Tech

PARENTS! SIGN THE PETITION, PLEASE (YOU'RE AWESOME, BTW)

PARENTS! SIGN THE PETITION, PLEASE (YOU'RE AWESOME, BTW)

Take action today.

Sign the petition to help Cape Alliance for Thoughtful Tech implement change and support strong personal device policy at Cape schools.

As parents, educators, and community members, we want to work together to prioritize our children’s well-being and brain development, by offering the best environment possible for them to thrive. 

We feel that a strong, universal, personal device policy at the Cape Elizabeth Schools will give them the potential for such an environment, and we are asking that the schools implement this policy as soon as possible. 

Upcoming events

  • All About Middle Schoolers Presentation

    09.26.24 | 5:30-6:30PM

    CEMS LLC

    CEMS welcomes Dr. Gert Nesin from the University of Maine along with CEMS staff members to host a panel entitled "Who are our Middle School Students?".

    Gert will help us shed some light on the incredible stage of life called "young adolesence". Join us for what should be an informative and fun evening with Gert.

  • Conversations about Cell Phones in our Schools

    10.01.24 | 6:00-7:00PM

    CEMS Library

    Members of the District Leadership Team (principals, tech director, assistant supt & superintendent) will be present to converse with parents/guardians about cell phone use in our schools.

    We will consider what our current cell phone procedures are, how they are working for students/staff/parents, and hear your input as well.

  • Screenagers Film Showing

    10.23.24 | 6:00-7:30PM

    CEMS LLC

    Details to follow

Beyond the Screen: Building a Thoughtful Tech Community for Cape Elizabeth Families

Navigating the digital age of parenting is no easy feat. We're all trying to figure this out, and none of us have all the answers. 

Maybe you've given your child a smartphone and you're curious about exploring other solutions.

Maybe you're feeling pressured to give them one, even though your gut says otherwise. Or maybe you're just not sure what to do.

Wherever you are on this journey, you have a place in our alliance.

You won't have to feel alone in grappling with these issues, like you're failing no matter what decision you make, or like you're constantly policing your kids. 

Together, we can navigate this complex landscape with grace and understanding. 

We're here to support each other in being more thoughtful about tech, without judgment or shame.

Inspired by Jonathan Haidt's The Anxious Generation, our mission is to empower kids, parents, and educators in our community to create a more thoughtful childhood rich in critical thinking, nature exploration, creative play, hands-on learning, and the freedom to make mistakes and grow.

What will make a difference is coming together as a community, sharing our experiences, and learning from one another.

As part of that effort, we advocate for:

  1. No smartphones before high school,

  2. No social media before 16,

  3. No phones in schools, and

  4. More free, independent play. 

These guidelines aim to give kids the space to engage with the real world and develop into well-rounded, resilient individuals who are empathetic, curious, playful, kind, and confident in their own abilities.

Technology has advanced at a mind-boggling pace, and society is still catching up. But one thing remains certain: the power of community to effect change. 

By uniting as parents, educators, and advocates, we can give our children the tools they need to thrive in the digital age and beyond. 

Connect With Us

Discover how to get involved, connect, and learn more about our mission.

  • lucie.scholz79@gmail.com

  • kira@kirahug.com