Unschoolers are a diverse group and do not subscribe to one way of learning. Many identify as tech-positive and believe children should self-regulate when it comes to screens; others believe that screens should be limited. 

My inclination toward the latter will be reflected in the links below, but I will also share some very thoughtful views of those who believe we should embrace the intellectual and physical integration of the digital world and our bodies and minds.

The two organizations below offer a broad set of ideas and toolkits in the interest of rethinking how as communities we can gain some sense of power over our (and our children’s) feelings and experiences around technology.

The Center For Humane Technology was founded by some of the folks who created the film The Social Dilemma – a searing look into how big tech companies have created platforms that target children and negatively affect their social lives and mental health. The Center for Humane Tech seks actively to redefine the way social media can work and how young people and their families can be given agency. It also offers toolkits for parents, educators and young people. 

Jonathan Haidt: The Anxious Generation. A website aiming to reclaim childhood.

This blurb from the website says it best:

“As kids’ free time and free play got replaced by an adult-run childhood, their anxiety and fragility climbed. Haidt’s book’s call to action is simple: Give young people back independence, responsibility, and free play”.

The Anxious Generation Website linked to the book above, devoted to helping parents and young people navigate the negative effects of screens and loss of play for children.

How a Connecticut Middle School won the battle against cell phones

Algorithms are Making Kids Desperately Unhappy