Stanislaus Rewired & Inspired
The goal of the Stanislaus Rewired & Inspired initiative is to raise awareness of the harm caused by excessive screen time and the use of social media before age 16, while equipping students, parents, and teachers across Stanislaus County with practical tools to reduce these risks.
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How it Started
Stanislaus County Superintendent of Schools Scott Kuykendall was inspired by Jonathan Haidt's book The Anxious Generation to help families, students, and educators spend less time on screens and more time in real life. He launched the Stanislaus Rewired & Inspired campaign to help reclaim balance, restore play, and build healthier digital habits.
The "Why"
Since 2010, teen mental health has taken a drastic downturn. Rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide have more than doubled.
What changed? Across the globe, the age-old play-based childhood gave way to a phone-based childhood. As friendships and social lives shifted onto screens and social media, the natural ways young people grow, connect, and develop have been disrupted.
The Four New Norms
Jonathan Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation, shares four norms to support healthy childhoods.
1. No smartphones before high school
2. No social media before age 16
3. Phone-free schools
4. More independence, free play, and responsibility in the world
What You Can Do
- Set boundaries around screen time
- Practice more tech-free activities and build real-world connections
- Delay social media until at least age 16
- Explore our resources for practical next steps
Take Action
Everyone has a role to play in ending the phone-based childhood and reclaiming life in the real world. Pick yours and let's get moving together.
Request a Speaker
Thank you for your interest in bringing Superintendent Kuykendall or a representative from SCOE to speak at your upcoming event. As part of his initiative, leaders at SCOE are sharing important insights on the impact of screen time, digital wellness, and the need to re-center play, connection, and balance in the lives of students and families.
If you would like to request a speaker, please complete the form below. We look forward to partnering with you to inspire healthier digital habits and stronger communities across Stanislaus County.
The Impact of Social Media and Screentime
On the "What's Brewing in Education" podcast, Superintendent Kuykendall sat down with Max Stossel, founder of Social Awakening, for a candid conversation about how tech companies manipulate user behavior and the power behind a smartphone.