Parent Check on Tech
Big Tech's influence has gone largely unchecked, and kids are paying a dangerous price: cognitive decline, impossible learning environments, increased anxiety and suicide rates, the list goes on.
Together, parents can give our children more independence in the real world and more protection in the digital world. We must demand that technology companies, legislators, and schools prioritize child safety and well being. Kids should be able to run free, not Big Tech. We need grownups in the room.
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Stay up to date on the latest advocacy opportunities and events.
Our Mission
We are parents and community members who believe all children need to grow in an environment that promotes healthy brain development and social connection. Because technology companies have put profit over what’s best for kids, we believe guardrails are needed to protect minors from the addictive nature of many technology products. We work collaboratively to use evidence and experience to guide our advocacy. We aim to curtail Big Tech’s influence on our children’s lives and our education system.
About Us
We are a Madison, WI-based parent advocacy group focused on driving and informing healthy technology use in our community, as well as responsible tech policies at the state level and within the Madison Metropolitan School District. We welcome partners from other communities to share resources, strategies, and wins!
Co-Founder Amy Martino
I am a mother of two and have a background in journalism and marketing. My family moved to Madison from Chicago in 2020 in time for my son to start kindergarten within MMSD. I am a passionate public school advocate and volunteer however I can to make it the best place for all children to learn and grow.
Co-Founder Jacqui Shore
I am a middle school librarian and mother of two. I have seen first-hand at my school and as a volunteer in my son's classroom how technology changes learning environments. I am energized by the breadth of information we now have to guide technology policy and am committed to advocating for what's best for all students.
Resources
Parenting decisions are endless. With this resource hub, we hope to make some of yours a little easier and more informed.
Jonathan Haidt's Golden Rules
In his book The Anxious Generation, Haidt proposes 4 cultural norm shifts he argues will lead to happier, healthier kids.
- No smartphones before high school
- No social media before 16
- Phone-free schools (sign the MMSD petition)
- More independence, free play, and responsibility in the real world
MMSD Chromebook Opt-Out Options
You may contact your child's principal to opt them out of Chromebook use at any time during the school year. There is also an opt-out option during registration. You have the following options:
- No user account: Student won't be assigned a computer or have access to log into network.
- Google with no additional services: Student can use everything except YouTube, Maps, Translate, Earth.
- All Google Services: Student can use all services from Google that are available to everyone 18 and under.
Talking With Your Kids About Tech
This excerpt from The Digital Delusion by Dr James Cooney Horvath can help you come up with technology solutions and guidelines that reflect your family values. These conversations are great opportunities for parents to evaluate and improve our own technology use.
Legislation to Watch
- Act 42 requires all Wisconsin public school boards to adopt policies prohibiting students from using wireless communication devices such as cell phones during instructional time. Assembly Bill 948 seeks to replace this mandate with a stricter ban that would prohibit smartphone use during passing periods, lunch and recess, providing phone-free environments to Wisconsin public school students.
- WI State Assembly Bill 960 would require social media platforms to provide mental health warnings.
- WI State Assembly Bill 1161 would create requirements and restrictions related to data collection and use and product design for certain businesses that provide online services to minors.
Collaborative Reading List
Browse, comment and add to our google doc of books, articles and essays we have found helpful in navigating this brave new world of technology.