It's time to ban phones in school | Melinda Murphy | Screen Less Play More Episode 14

"The number of places that I found kids doing drug deals over Snapchat, for example, nine to one. It didn't start with a conversation and notes being passed in English class, it started over a social media platform. And so I talk about like the dangers of social media that you don't know as a parent walking in with an 11 year old are alarming, honestly. But I feel like somebody needs to tell you this, not to scare you, but to make you aware so that you are very cautious about what you allow."  - Melinda Murphy

This week, Cynthia talks to Melinda Murphy, principal of Southern Hills Middle School in Boulder, Colorado. Her school has implemented a bell-to-bell cell phone ban, and she tells us the stark differences before and after. 

Melinda explains the benefits of a phone free school, the improvement in student engagement, the reduction in disciplinary issues, and the return of play!  Melinda tells us how to implement a school phone ban in our schools and our districts, and what to say to our own principals, administrators, and school boards. 

Welcome to the Screen Less Play More Podcast with Cynthia Dvorak! Discover the benefits of less screen time for children and practical strategies to reduce screen use as a family. Learn about screen time guidelines by age, how Big Tech targets our kids, and how to stay screenstrong. Learn how to manage kids & screens, how to find a screentime solution, and tips on raising good humans! Whether you have babies, toddlers, elementary kids, or teens, this show give you advice on managing tech and life!

You will feel good inside once you learn about the benefits of play, and why play is vital to childhood! It isn't always just about discipline, it's about information, research, and facts. 

Modern parents are constantly asking: 

• What are the recommended screen time limits for children by age? 

• How can I reduce my child's screen time? How do I get my child off screens?

• How do I get my son off video games?

• What are the negative effects of too much screen time on kids? 

• What are the signs of screen addiction?

• What should I do if my child is addicted to screens? 

• What do I do about kids and technology?
• How do I get my child off screens without a fight?
• How do you stop screen addiction?
• Does my child have a video game addiction?
• What are the benefits of play?
• How do I get my kids to play more?
• What are the benefits of reading to kids?
• What's the best podcast about screens and kids?
• What is the power of play?
• What is the Anxious Generation about?
• How does screen time affect sleep, physical health and mental-well being?
• Is my child's screen time interfering with their sleep?
• How to create healthy screen habits?

Cynthia Dvorak, founder of Screen Less Play More, was inspired by The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast and the great role of Ginny Yurich, as well as amazing books like "Hunt, Gather, Parent" by Michaleen Doucleff and "The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. She puts her writing and journalism skills together with interviews of authors and experts, to help parents navigate the