Yesterday during our weekly group supervision and consultation meeting at Glacier Psychology Services, a familiar theme came up — one that’s been weighing heavily on all of us as therapists: the challenge of supporting parents in setting healthy boundaries around smartphone and screen use. As we sat together, sharing stories from the therapy room and exchanging strategies, our collective frustration became palpable.
We weren’t just frustrated with kids being on their phones too much. We were frustrated with how deeply phones have woven themselves into the social fabric of childhood — interfering with sleep, fueling anxiety, sabotaging focus, and damaging self-esteem. And we all agreed: it’s time to get louder about this.
We need to be talking to every parent we work with about the dangers of excessive screen time. We need to support parents in making bold choices, even when it feels hard. We need to show up in schools, speak on panels, and advocate for what’s best for kids.
And then, this morning, we got the news that made us cheer. Our home state of New York has passed the Bell-to-Bell Smartphone Ban, which will require a statewide ban of smartphones in schools during the school day starting this September.
This is a massive win for our kids.
Not only will this help students stay focused and engaged academically, but it will also provide something even more essential — a break. A break from constant social pressure. A break from endless comparisons. A break from the anxiety-inducing ping of notifications. A break from the always-on, never-enough culture of social media.
Of course, banning smartphones during school hours is only part of the solution. There’s still a need for structure and boundaries outside of school — after school, during family time, at bedtime. That’s where we need parents to step in with courage and consistency.
It’s time to reintroduce and prioritize:
• After-school activities that build identity and resilience
• Face-to-face interactions with peers that build real social skills
• Homework time that is focused and undistracted
• Chores that teach responsibility and participation in family life
• Screen-free meals and meaningful conversations
But it’s not just about the kids. We’re asking parents to take a hard look at their own screen habits. Model what it looks like to unplug. Create screen-free zones. Choose connection over scrolling.
Let’s take this statewide initiative and truly run with it. Let’s treat it as a launching pad for bigger, more meaningful change in our homes, our communities, and in the lives of the children we care for so deeply.
We’re fired up. We’re hopeful. And we’re ready to stand with parents every step of the way.
— The Team at Glacier Psychology Services