Inspired by St Carlo Acutis, we are a network of parents united in building community, raising awareness, and sharing insights as we navigate complex and personal decisions about devices and digital media in an effort to protect and preserve childhood.
Welcome to our 1st St Carlo Parent Network Newsletter!
We are hoping these newsletters will be inspiring and helpful to all those that read them. We envision these newsletters as a way to communicate with our community while providing encouragement and insight. The newsletters will share information on any upcoming events as well as any helpful resources we have come across in our own research. Our goal is to encourage, educate, and keep each other informed as we navigate the protecting and preserving of our children's childhood together.
Smartphones and social media place adult-sized responsibilities on children long before they’re ready. From managing constant notifications, to navigating online bullying, to resisting addictive algorithms and harmful content. Kids are being asked to carry more than they should.
Let's change the norm. Together. As parents, let's all agree that smartphones, tablets, social media, and all internet connected devices have no place in our children's bedrooms at night.
Subscribe to our newsletter for an upcoming SMG student book club featuring The Amazing Generation
Check out Jonathan Haidt's new book:
THE AMAZING GENERATION
Graphic Novel
Perfect for 9-12 year-olds — whether or not they already have smartphones or social media — this engaging guide is packed with surprising facts, a graphic novel, interactive challenges, and secrets tech leaders don’t want kids to know. It also includes real-life stories from young adults who regret getting smartphones too early and want to help the next generation make different choices.
At its heart is The Rebel’s Code:
- Use technology as a tool, don’t let technology use you
- Fill your life with real friendship, freedom, and fun
Because this isn’t just a book about what not to do; it’s a bold, optimistic, and practical guide to becoming your most authentic, confident, and adventurous self
Did You Know?
It is so important for us as parents to model to our children what we are expecting of them but we all know it is extremely difficult. Here are some resources that can help us use our phones strictly as tools again.
The technology resources listed below can aid in making your own screen time intentional.
FOQUS APP
PHONE APP BLOCKER
The Foqos app is a free, open-source app that blocks distracting apps and websites on your phone. It is a powerful, privacy-first, free app. No subscriptions, no tracking, no data collection. An app that allows you to create custom profiles for work time, studying, bedtime, etc.
BRICK
MAKE YOUR PHONE A TOOL AGAIN
A physical device that temporarily removes distracting apps and their notifications from your phone. Designed for simplicity. No subscriptions. No complex setups. Just more time for what matters. Your HSA may even cover it!
ARO BOX
OUT OF SIGHT. PEACE OF MIND.
The Aro Box is your family's central phone hub. An intentionality centerpiece that helps everyone put their phones away and be fully present for what matters most. It includes 4 charging cables so the whole family can plug in any device and recharge together, creating a space for moments of real connection.