Garden City Public Schools

The Garden City High School Parent Teacher Association recently announced the launch of a new digital wellness campaign, the "NoSo (No Social Media) November" challenge, designed to raise crucial awareness about screen time and encourage healthier digital habits among students and parents.

The initiative, introduced by PTA member Dawn Dennis, seeks to encourage students and parents to actively reduce screen time throughout the month. "NoSo November" is being implemented directly in physical education classes, where students were guided to look at their current screen time usage and set personal goals for reduction. Assistant Principal Connor Cohn directed students through the activity, and then their goals were anonymously posted on banners inside the school so that students can see what their peers are working toward achieving.

To maximize awareness, statistics and slogans are being utilized to inform participants about the issue, including data on the average time teens spend on social media and discussions regarding the dangers associated with various social media platforms. The main goal is to build self-regulation and encourage healthier habits among GCHS students.

Parents are an integral part of the initiative, as they are encouraged to have conversations with their children about screen time and work together to set personal goals. By promoting these discussions, the program aims to create a healthier balance in students’ lives and actively reduce the time spent on social media.

The organizers recognize that success can be measured broadly, believing the program is successful if it reaches even one child and helps them feel better about reducing their screen time. The PE classes will include a review of students' progress and will encourage them toward continued self-regulation beyond the duration of the challenge.

“This initiative was an outstanding success,” said Assistant Principal Cohn. “Staff and students alike participated and collaborated to do assessments of their screen time usage and their overall usage of social media. It was a useful and enjoyable initiative we will surely proceed with next year.”