Connect and Learn
Join us for upcoming events designed to strengthen our community and share best practices
Thriving Together in a High-Tech World
Every parent wrestles with the same question: how do I help my child build a healthy relationship with technology?
Jean Twenge, PhD—award-winning psychologist, author, and mother of three teens—shares ten evidence-based strategies from her acclaimed book 10 Rules for Raising Teens in a High-Tech World. Discover practical solutions that replace worry with confidence, helping you guide your child toward connection, resilience, and thriving in the digital age.
This event is free, but registration is required. Please consider making a donation.
This multi-event series is part of a community collaboration in Concord called Helping Teens (and Parents) Thrive in the Digital Age. It is sponsored by Turning Life On, ThinkGive, Concord-Carlisle Adult and Community Education, Concord Ed Fund, Emerson Health, The Fenn School and Parent Groups at the following schools: Carlisle Public School, Concord Middle School, Thoreau School, Alcott School, Willard School and Concord-Carlisle High School.
* Open to all—teens encouraged to attend.
The Anxious Generation: Supporting Teens in a Tech-Driven World
A Community Conversation & Panel Discussion
Reception with drinks & light bites | 6:00pm
Panel Discussion | 6:30–7:30pm
Inspired by Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation, this interactive panel explores how smartphones and social media are reshaping childhood—and what families and communities can do to reclaim balance.
This panel brings together experts and youth voices to share insights and solutions:
Simon Cataldo, MA State Representative – on legislation for phone-free schools
Cara Paladino, Concord-Carlisle School Resource Officer – on teen safety and school experiences
Derek Boonisar, Head of The Fenn School – on implementing Yondr pouches
Dr. Rachel Kramer, Psychologist – on supporting youth mental health
ThinkGive Student Advisory Board Member – a teen perspective on growing up digital
Together, they’ll share insights and actionable strategies to help parents and teens navigate the challenges—and opportunities—of today’s tech-driven world.
This event is free, but registration is required. Please consider making a donation.
This multi-event series is part of a community collaboration in Concord called Helping Teens (and Parents) Thrive in the Digital Age. It is sponsored by Turning Life On, ThinkGive, Concord-Carlisle Adult and Community Education, Concord Ed Fund, Emerson Health, The Fenn School and Parent Groups at the following schools: Carlisle Public School, Concord Middle School, Thoreau School, Alcott School, Willard School and Concord-Carlisle High School.
* Open to all—teens encouraged to attend.
Turning Life On: EdTech
We’ve been hearing it for years: Parents making hard choices at home, only to have schools hand their kids a device. Adrienne Principe is a 2018 founding member of the Screen Time Action Network’s Screen-in-Schools working group and will present the latest research on EdTech and how to advocate for better district policies, including opting out and using petitions. Join us!
This event is free but registration is required.
Events are made possible through the generous donations of our attendees. Make a donation here.
South Shore Digital Wellness Event - Dr. Peter Gray: Raising Resilient, Happy Children
Raising Resilient, Happy Children: How to provide children and teens with the play and independent activity they need to mental wellbeing and long-term success
SSDW is honored to be hosting a world-renowned authority on the psychological and evolutionary value of children’s play this Fall.
On Sunday, October 5 at 3:30pm, Boston College Research Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dr. Peter Gray, will be joining us with a talk on “Raising Resilient, Happy Children: How to Provide Children & Teens With the Play and Independent Activity They Need for Mental Wellbeing and Long-Term Success.”
Complimentary Childcare - Supervised free play on the playground from 3pm-530pm. Pre-registration required, available for ages 2+, rain or shine (except thunderstroms)
Schedule
3pm - Local Business Resource Fair
3:30pm - Dr. Peter Gray
4:30pm - Q&A with Dr. Gray
5pm - Resource Fair, continued
Details and Free Tickets* @ https://givebutter.com/stsHsE
*Tickets are free, but registration is required.
Turning Life On: Phone-free Schools Policies
MA is on its well on its way to passing bell-to-bell personal electronic device-free schools legislation. And it’s about time as most other states have already done so. The law requires personal electronic devices, including tablets and smartwatches, be inaccessible to students during the entire school day and while on school property. We’ll give you tips on how to mobilize your community to advocate for a stronger policy in your district before this law is passed. Join us!!
This event is free but registration is required.
Events are made possible through donations from attendees. Please make a tax-deductible donation here.
BrainFree Braintree Introductory Meeting
This event is for any Braintree community members interested in helping raise independent kids in Braintree, free from tech addiction.
The event will begin with BrainFree Braintree ambassador ViVi Pierce speaking about her experience as a grade 8-12 teacher in three different communities regarding phones and ed tech. Then, it will open up to a group discussion.
To register, click here.
South Shore Digital Wellness: An Introduction to Play Clubs
South Shore Digital Wellness
Interested in Joining or Facilitating an Elementary Play Club?
As the kids head back to school, local elementary play clubs will start back up again as well. Scituate’s Wampatuck elementary school play club is offering a preview of its open-ended, child-led style of play for incoming Wampatuck families, neighborhood kids, and South Shore families who may consider joining or facilitating new play clubs at their own schools.
On Monday, August 25 from 4:00PM-6:00PM, Wampatuck play club welcomes families both old and new to come join in the fun. Come experience the unstructured, mixed-age, outdoor play shown to improve children’s learning, mental health, and behavior. This is a great opportunity for local caregivers to make their Fall afterschool plans with a no-cost, transit-free, community-based option.
The proof is in the experience. Come out and play!
For more information, visit SouthShoreDigitalWellness.org
Turning Life On: Converting Events to Action
One of the very first steps in creating a movement is to host an event. We will walk through step-by-step guidelines on how to host an event from planing and promotion to execution and then how to convert that event into action within your community. Join us!!
This event is free but registration is required.
Events are made possible through donations from attendees. Please make a tax-deductible donation here.
South Shore Digital Wellness Initiative Meeting
Scituate, MA Town Library
We’re not trying to rush anything… but it’s time to start planning! Won’t you bring us your best ideas for some back-to-school fun?
Our next Initiatives Meeting is Friday, August 8 from 10:00AM-11:00AM
South Shore Digital Wellness (SSDW) meets monthly at the Scituate Town Library to discuss new initiatives, upcoming events, and ongoing programming. These meetings are child-friendly and open to the public. We welcome you to drop in anytime!
For more information about South Shore Digital Wellness, visit their website at: https://southshoredigitalwellness.org/
Culture Reframed Event, Keeping Tech in Check: Helping Kids Lead Healthy Digital Lives
join Culture Reframed for an eye-opening conversation with digital wellness experts, Julia Storm and Adrienne Principe. Moderated by Dr. Mandy Sanchez, the free webinar will highlight the role of screens on the social and emotional well-being of young people.
Ambassador Onboarding Call
Join us to learn more about our philosophy and how we support ambassadors in leading change in their homes, schools and communities.
Ambassador Onboarding Call
Join us to learn more about our philosophy and how we support ambassadors in leading change in their homes, schools and communities.
Ambassador Onboarding Call
Join us to learn more about our philosophy and how we support ambassadors in leading change in their homes, schools and communities.
In-Person Ambassador Meeting
Come whenever you can, leave whenever you need to. We'll be talking strategy for the fall. Location will be shared after RSVP.
Host an Event
Ready to organize in your community? Become an Ambassador and we'll help you plan and execute successful events.