District highlights parent book study on youth anxiety and possible '48-hour' device challenge

District staff and a school leader described a parent-and-staff book study of Jonathan Haidt—s The Anxious Generation during the March 2 meeting, framed as a way to build parent-school partnerships around youth mental health and screen-time concerns.

Mr. Carlson, who led the local study, said the group discussed Haidt—s thesis about the impact of devices on youth anxiety and depression and proposed practical ideas for families, including a voluntary 48-hour device challenge and new parent programs. "A day and a half into that, he came to my wife and he said, I feel better," Carlson said of a teenager who participated in a short device break during the trial.

Administrators and board members discussed outreach challenges: the one-time evening meeting drew about 18 parents for the book-study discussion, though a larger parent presentation later drew more than 70 attendees. The superintendent noted the district is preparing to implement new state rules about internet-enabled devices and will explore local approaches to cell-phone management during school hours.

Board members asked how to expand participation and whether existing extracurriculars already serve the anti-screen goals; responses emphasized that not every child participates in sports or music and recommended more varied, non-device options and better cross-communication with families.

What happens next Administrators said they will continue parent-engagement work, consider additional book-study or presentation formats (including audio options), and return with implementation proposals for device-management policies that align with forthcoming state requirements.