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Students report reduced screen time after 'No Snow November' pilot; board discusses scaling

Swampscott School Committee · January 8, 2026

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Summary

Students and staff described a monthlong, youth-led social media detox piloted at Swampscott High School. Presenters said survey results show many students cut screen time and reported improved focus; committee asked about measurement, definitions of 'social media' and next steps for a smaller-scale repeat.

Miss Ramirez presented the Swampscott High School pilot of “No Snow November,” a youth-led social media detox intended to reduce students’ daily screen time and surface healthier habits. The program included a schoolwide assembly led by a young facilitator and break-out groups run by peer leaders.

The presentation said 317 students responded to an initial survey and that average daily screen time was about five to 5½ hours for the school. “Five hours of daily screen time averages out to about 15 years straight of your life just scrolling,” the presenter said while describing the pilot’s rationale. The team reported that roughly 100 students completed the full-month challenge and that some families participated alongside students.

Board members and students discussed definition and scope. The presenter said the pilot counted major social platforms (TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook) and also included streaming services such as Netflix and YouTube because algorithms can feed repetitive, attention-grabbing content. A student who participated said the experience was “eye opening” and that classmates discovered they had extra time for homework, reading or socializing without screens.

Committee members asked how a future program might be scaled. The presenter said the district would likely avoid repeating the large assembly and instead organize student-led small-group efforts and provide facilitator resources; weekly parent communications from the program’s website were used during the pilot. The superintendent suggested follow-up should include more targeted data collection so the district can measure academic and wellbeing effects beyond self-reported habits.

The meeting’s public-comment segment also included a request from Katie Arrington for the district to adopt a clearer, equitable trip policy; she urged the superintendent and principal to work with parents on formal guidelines. The committee did not take formal action on the pilot; the presenters said they hope to repeat a smaller-scale effort next year.