About ScreenSense
At ScreenSense, we help parents, caregivers, and schools implement and manage the guardrails and guidance needed to keep digital tech in check. By introducing tech slowly, in age-appropriate and intentional ways, we can develop a more sustainable relationship with tech so it doesn’t crowd out essential childhood activities.
Our vision is for families and communities to raise young people who are safe, balanced, and critical consumers of digital tech, and - most importantly - have ample time to cultivate their own senses of wonder and connectedness to nature, people, and the world around them.
WHY?
Tech is here to stay, bringing upsides and downsides to thoughtfully navigate as individuals and as communities. Tech is no longer a separate or neutral entity - it is increasingly entangled in every aspect of daily life, and our current norms aren’t working. In fact, they are causing harm (link to About Kids IRL page). While we CAN’T control the tsunami of tech that is only growing, and we CAN’T control when critical tech regulation will protect children, we CAN control when, where, and how we introduce digital media to our children. We must get tech in check and restore the fundamental activities core to a healthy childhood.
To learn more, read We’re at a Tipping Point.
Our Guiding Principles
Our and resources for parenting in a digital world are infused and scaffolded by these 3 foundational pillars:
Let the line out slowly. We believe that introducing tech slowly and in age-appropriate ways – while keeping developmental needs and essential childhood activities front and center – promotes and protects healthy development of the whole child. We’re not anti-tech, just pro-childhood.
Lead the way. Although we didn’t ask for this tsunami of tech that’s inundating childhood, we believe we adults must model and mentor young people on how to use tech wisely and well. We need to do the best we can (good not perfect!) since we’re building this airplane while flying it. We believe adults need to set up the guardrails for young people. We believe parenting doesn’t stop when youth go online, even though it can feel messy and challenging. We are our kids’ first teachers, and our habits shape their habits!
Create community as the antidote. We believe that the challenges that come with unfettered tech use is a community problem that requires collective action. Together we can learn from and support each other to find common ground and shared solutions for our unique communities. And we can be curious and authentically connect with our kids around this topic - engaging their voice, understanding their experiences, and co-creating solutions. We are more powerful together than alone!
What do we do?
At ScreenSense we provide parents, caregivers, and educators support through education, consulting, and community-building. We give parents and caregivers practical tools to keep having the hard and messy conversations necessary to parent in a digital world. Our monthly OneStep newsletter offers small, digestible steps to help parents anywhere model and coach tech use that supports their priorities and values. Our accessible online resources and virtual Parent Ed talks are available to parents and caregivers around the globe. In our local county, just north of San Francisco, California, we facilitate conversations and action amongst parents through our hyper-local movement Kids IRL, encouraging communities to lean in on this sometimes thorny topic. For our local schools, we offer in-person Parent Ed events, facilitate conversations around tech use, and offer support to implement phone-free school policies. Our hope is for all stakeholders who care deeply about preserving childhood to feel empowered to teach children from ages 0-18 how to have a healthier and more balanced relationship with technology.
Who are we?
First and foremost, we are parents. We live and work in the laboratory of family life, navigating many of the same challenges as you. We try, we fail, we try again and sometimes succeed. Our materials are practical and actionable.
We also lean on a diverse array of experts, published research, and our own professional skills to share solutions that work for today’s families.
We are located in Marin County, California.
OUR TEAM
Dabney Ingram, PhD, Co-Founder and Executive Director, brings over twenty years of experience in education research, strategic consulting, and evaluation focused on healthy child and adolescent development, belonging, and social change.
Rebekah Cunningham, Director of Technology, a trained data scientist and seasoned software professional, is dedicated to empowering youth and parents in cultivating a healthy relationship with technology.
Alex Tower Ewers, Director of Communications, holds a Masters in Holistic Health Education, has a background in Project Management and is passionate about building communities that foster balanced tech use.
OUR ADVISORS
Dana Tuttle, MD, Co-Founder and Advisor, is a former physician/biotech professional, bringing experience in health and wellness, teaching and brain science.
Jill Boeri, MS, LMFT, is a skilled psychotherapist with a specialization in providing compassionate and effective therapy to adolescent youth, helping them navigate the challenges of their formative years with expertise and empathy.
Our team includes a diverse group of parents, educators, young people, and other community stakeholders who share a common desire to encourage healthy tech use. Our efforts are growing - please reach out if you’d like to get involved!