Holmdel, NJ Parent Coalition
Less Screen. More Learning. Healthier Kids.
Calling on Holmdel Township School District to adopt age-appropriate screen time guidelines across all four schools.
The Problem
The numbers are alarming — and Holmdel children are not immune. This is not a parenting failure. It is a structural problem that requires a school-level solution.
"The rise of the smartphone has caused a great rewiring of childhood. We are living through a mental health crisis, and the cause is not a mystery."— Jonathan Haidt, The Anxious Generation (2024) | Social Psychologist, NYU Stern School of Business
The Science
This is not opinion. The evidence base is deep, consistent, and growing across dozens of peer-reviewed studies and government reports.
The founders and engineers who created social media — in their own words.
"It is very common for humans to develop things with the best of intentions and for them to have unintended, negative consequences. God only knows what it's doing to our children's brains."
"I think we have created tools that are ripping apart the social fabric of how society works. My kids are not allowed to use this shit."
"We limit how much technology our kids use at home."
"We didn't give our children cell phones until they were 14. We often set a time after which there is no more screen time, and that helps them get to sleep at a reasonable hour."
"I don't want my nephew on a social network. There are some things that I won't allow."
"It's as if they took behavioral cocaine and sprinkled it over the interface. Behind every screen, there are a thousand engineers who worked to make it maximally addicting."
Success Stories
From France to Finland to right here in Monmouth County — communities that have acted are seeing real results.
Our Asks
We are not asking the district to eliminate technology. We are asking for age-appropriate, research-backed limits — and we are happy to start with a pilot.
We support pilots, phased rollouts, and working with the district at every step.
We are here to collaborate — not to confront.
Take Action
Add your name to our formal request to the Holmdel Township Board of Education. Every signature counts.
Questions? Email us: holmdelunplugged@gmail.com
Please share this page with every Holmdel parent you know. Numbers change minds.
Resources
All campaign materials are free to download, print, and share. Use them at school events, PTA meetings, or in your neighborhood.
About Us
We are parents of children in Holmdel Township schools. We are not anti-technology. We are not opposed to the district or its teachers. We are parents who looked at the science, looked at what other communities have done, and decided it was time to act.
Our coalition is led by Hiwot Tessema and Dr. Admasu Gizachew, Holmdel parents and healthcare professionals who believe every child deserves the chance to learn without constant digital distraction.
We believe Holmdel can be a model for New Jersey — and we're asking you to help us get there.
Questions, ideas, or want to get more involved? We'd love to hear from you.