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Westford 5th graders present "One Grade, One Book" project on screen time
Summary
A group of fifth graders summarized their "One Grade, One Book" project based on Jonathan Haidt's The Amazing Generation, sharing student quotes about screen addiction and recommending family strategies and programs to encourage non-screen social time.
Fifth-grade students from the day school presented a year‑end project titled "One Grade, One Book," summarizing classroom discussions and takeaways from The Amazing Generation by Jonathan Haidt. Student presenters (Speakers 12–14) described how the book led them to reflect on the amount of time children and teens spend on screens and on the negative effects they observed: feelings of addiction, reduced creativity, and less face-to-face play. Presenters offered student quotes—"When me and my friends hung out, we are normally on devices" and "When I am on screens a lot, I feel like I am addicted to it"—and recommended family strategies such as limiting device time, encouraging outdoor play, and participating in community programs like Let Grow.
Committee members praised the students for their clarity and preparation. Several members suggested offering a parent webinar or book group to discuss the adult-oriented companion book The Anxious Generation; the committee also agreed to expand the pilot so all fifth-grade students across the district will read the book next year. The presentation prompted discussion about family engagement and possible district-supported parent resources.
