"A two-week digital detox reversed 10 years of attention decline"

vis Steve Magness

"A two-week digital detox reversed 10 years of attention decline (Castelo et al, 2025). A one-week social media break cut depression by 25% and anxiety by 16%, effects rivaling clinical therapy. And after just 72 hours without a phone, brain scans showed the reward centers were still firing at smartphone cues—even when people swore they felt fine (Schmitgen et al., Computers in Human Behavior, 2025).

We're running on the same dopamine and serotonin pathways as substance addiction. The only difference? The substance is in your pocket 16 hours a day.

Be intentional on how you're handling social media. Yes, I get the irony of this being posted on here. But to me, that's the point. We need to figure out how to have better relationships with this stuff. And that starts with knowledge ... and then taking small actions."

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DUf8f9PDSt4/

Back to textbooks: Denmark rolls back digital learning (video)

Via France 24 

"Denmark has long been hailed as a digital champion, with online public services, digital IDs and tablets in schools as early as 2011. But authorities are now shifting course in the education and social sectors, following alarming figures on children’s mental health and school performance. 

A massive return to analogue life is underway: mobile phones are banned in schools and after-school clubs, a return to pre-digital learning is being rolled out and social media will soon be banned for anyone under 15. Our team reports from Copenhagen.

#Denmark #education #mentalhealth

Read more about this story in our article: https://f24.my/Befz.y"

YouTube link - https://youtu.be/aKoCZKtpS3Q

We need to pay attention when the data speaks like this (video)

Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath:

"Even in schools, it doesn't matter what the size of the screen is...and it doesn't matter who bought it...All of these things are also going to hurt learning, which in turn are going to hurt our kids' cognitive development."

YouTube video link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fd-_VDYit3U

Full video here: https://www.c-span.org/program/senate-committee/lawmakers-hold-hearing-on-the-impact-of-screen-time-on-kids/671683

FPS Digital Learning Newsletter for March 2023

Check out the FPS March Digital Learning Newsletter
https://t.co/6IKGYMLNfm

Shared from Twitter ->  https://twitter.com/DliFranklin/status/1641053827276185600

FPS Digital Learning Newsletter for March 2023

FPS - Digital Learning Integrationists Newsletter for February 2023

Check out the FPS February Digital Learning Newsletter. https://t.co/2Y1vMFAO4I  or https://www.smore.com/5pyxd

Shared from Twitter ->  https://twitter.com/DliFranklin/status/1630641415339245569

FPS - Digital Learning Integrationists Newsletter for February 2023

   

The 5 Franklin elementary schools each launch a student voice podcast!

• Oak Street Voices

• Keller Talks

• Kennedy Voices

• Parmenter Voices

• Jefferson Talks

The Franklin Public Schools December Digital Learning Newsletter is available

Franklin DLI (@DliFranklin) tweeted  Wed, Dec 21, 2022:

Check out the Franklin Public Schools December Digital Learning Newsletter https://t.co/oUQ7XRVtek

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/DliFranklin/status/1605600011018027011

The Franklin Public Schools December Digital Learning Newsletter is available

School Committee welcomes new school administrators and hears of digital learning initiatives (audio)

FM #844 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 844 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Sep 13, 2022. The meeting was conducted in the Council Chambers. 

School Committee Chair Denise Spencer opens the meeting at 7:00 PM. 

The show notes contain a link to the agenda and to my notes.

The recording runs just under 2 hours minutes, so let’s listen to the Franklin School Committee on Sep 13, 2022.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-844-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-09-13-22

--------------

Agenda doc ->    https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_9-13-22.pdf

The meeting packet folder ->   https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/september-13-2022-school-committee-meeting

School Committee page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee 

My notes in this ThreadReader PDF ->  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S9cVoByG4IOWk4V6K6YvLXs6ahdxGHeT/view?usp=sharing 

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/pNainhZLLUeoL5DL7

YouTube video replay for this meeting -> https://youtu.be/eiLlFrwTX_U

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

School Committee Meeting - Sep 13, 2022 (audio)

School Committee Meeting - Sep 13, 2022 (video)

The video replay of the School Committee meeting of Tuesday, Sep 13, 2022 is available on YouTube.  

Video link -> https://youtu.be/eiLlFrwTX_U

Meeting agenda ->      https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_9-13-22.pdf

The meeting packet folder ->   https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/september-13-2022-school-committee-meeting 

My notes captured during the meeting via Twitter and in one threaded doc

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S9cVoByG4IOWk4V6K6YvLXs6ahdxGHeT/view?usp=sharing

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/pNainhZLLUeoL5DL7

School Committee Meeting - Sep 13, 2022 (video)

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Meeting Agenda - Sep 13, 2022

School Committee - Meeting Agenda

Municipal Building - Council Chambers (Virtual Link in Agenda)

Call to Order Ms. Spencer

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

• A. Review of Agenda
• B. Payment of Bills Ms. Spencer
• C. Payroll Ms. Stokes
• D. FHS Student Representative Comments
• E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

• A. DLI Presentation

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Policy Second Readings/Adoption
I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed: 

• ADC – Tobacco Products on School Premises Prohibited 
• AC - Nondiscrimination
• ACAB - Harassment Including Sexual Harassment

B. Elimination of Policies
I recommend eliminating the following Policies as discussed:

• ACAB-RI - Grievance Procedure for Complaints of Harassment and Discrimination
• ACAB-R2 - Grievance Procedure for Complaints of Sexual Harassment under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

IV. Discussion Only Items

• A. New Superintendent Induction Program Introduction & Transition Plan – Dr. Michael Sullivan

V. Information Matters

• A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
• B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

• I recommend approval of the minutes from the August 23, 2022 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B. Keller Gift

• I recommend acceptance of a check for $449.71 from O’Connor Portraiture for in-house enrichment as detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

IX. Adjournment

Agenda doc with remote access info ->    https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_9-13-22.pdf

The meeting packet folder ->   https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/september-13-2022-school-committee-meeting

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Meeting Agenda - Sep 13, 2022

Franklin DLI - January 2022 Newsletter available

Check out the Franklin Public Schools January DLI newsletter. 
#FPSDigitalLearning @FranklinPSNews #franklin
https://t.co/oeqhG1NcuH

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/DliFranklin/status/1487098034055954439

Franklin DLI - January 2022 Newsletter available

Franklin DLI: December Digital Learning Newsletter

Franklin DLI (@DliFranklin) tweeted on Tue, Dec 21, 2021:

Check out the December Digital Learning Newsletter
https://t.co/8Avl4XafZR

#FPSDigitalLearning #giftideas #gift #LimitedSupply #franklinfoodie #appetizers #briebaker #countdowntochristmas #allaboutfranklin @shopevoo

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/DliFranklin/status/1473294686055923713

https://www.smore.com/ukdgv

Franklin Digital Learning Integrationists - Newsletter

"Check out the most recent newsletter from the Digital Learning Integrationists 

#FPSDigitalLearning @FranklinPSNews"

Newsletter link ->  https://t.co/84VzS8HMfE   or  https://www.smore.com/a540y

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/DliFranklin/status/1466788666391605253

Franklin Digital Learning Integrationists - Newsletter 

Franklin Public Schools: MCAS Presentation - 11/23/21

Among the agenda items for the Franklin School Committee meeting Tuesday, Nov 23, 2021 is an update on the recent MCAS statistics for the Franklin School District.

You can view a copy of the report here or below:   https://drive.google.com/file/d/19XOmQtVz2_MPrymgtUgQkIclhH3xgqMy/view?usp=sharing

Franklin Public Schools: MCAS Presentation - 11/23/21

Franklin, MA School Committee meeting - Sep 28, 21 - Audio in two parts

FM #617-618 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 617-618 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, September 28, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: the School Committee members were in the Municipal Bldg along with some of the public, other members of the public joined via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The recording runs about two hour and twenty minutes (2 hour 20 minutes), so I split the meeting into two segments:

• First - covers the opening, the citizens comments, the introduction of Lily Rivera, and the DLI Team presentation and update (~1 hour 4 mins)

• Second - covers the Discussion Action items, the Discussion Only items, the consent agenda, through to the closing of the meeting (~1 hour 15 mins)

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. The link to my notes taken during the meeting is also provided.

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting Sep 28, 2021

 

Part 1 -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/80e51912-a9a2-4131-847b-f570ee98ff5e

Part 2 -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/494a1ce3-5102-4dd1-92f9-382b4246bff0

--------------

School Committee Agenda doc (including connection info) ->   

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/agenda-9-28-21 

Agenda folder -> https://franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/september-282021-school-committee-meeting-packet 

My notes captured during the meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/10/recap-school-committee-meeting-hears-of.html

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

Digital Learning Integrationist (DLI) Team

Recap: School Committee meeting hears of graffiti incident, DLI updates, ESSER III grant draft plans, and approves facial covering policy

Quick recap:

• Graffiti incident at FHS discussed, Superintendent Ahern updated on Principal Hanna's response and work still underway
• School topics (Davis Thayer, budget, etc.) scheduled for Town Council meeting Oct 6
• New communications person, Lily Rivera introduced
• Digital Learning Integrationists (DLI) provided updates on their work supporting teachers and learning technology
• The draft plan was previewed for use of the ESSER III (Federal funding) to be made available
• MASC delegate approved, review of MASC resolutions conducted, vote on them scheduled for next meeting. Odd situation may occur, if Denise Spencer doesn't get re-elected Nov 2, with the MASC conference scheduled for Nov 3, the conference would not have a Franklin representative
• Facial covering policy approved, this wont be the last update, more are likely as the pandemic continues
• Minutes from Sep 14 split from Consent agenda and approved; the remaining items of the Consent agenda also approved; both votes via roll call

-------------

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting live in the Council Chambers.

 

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #schcom0928

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom0928&src=typeahead_click

School Committee agenda:

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/agenda-9-28-21 

School Committee packet folder (all the doc for the meeting)

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/september-282021-school-committee-meeting-packet 

 

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album https://photos.app.goo.gl/K2gPhcDTS3vYmPbG7

----------------

• getting ready for the School Committee meeting at 7:00 PM. In the Chamber for this one, live tweeting and recording audio #schcom0928
• meeting packet, including agenda doc and remote connection info -> https://franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/september-282021-school-committee-meeting-packet #schcom0928
• Meetings are recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29 - you can also find the live stream on the Town page -> https://franklinma.gov/home/pages/live-meetings-stream  #schcom0928

Citizens Comments

• I stepped up to share about the Franklin Area Nonprofit Network (FANN) in an effort to reach out to the PCC organizations. The FANN vision "Franklin will be a community where nonprofit organizations work together for the greater good of its residents. " #schcom0928
• Citizen comment on disappointing curriculum night experience was paperwork instead of info sharing and teacher info sharing #schcom0928
• Citizen comment on when will get out of this? #schcom0928

FHS Student updates

• Superintendent introduces the new FHS representatives. MacKenzie Atwood a senior (returning this year) production of Mama Mia Nov 12-13; speaks to the recent act of hateful graffiti found on a back door of the school #schcom0928 she can't feel safe in the halls.
• "While we have made progress ... but more needs to be done, it has been met with more hatred" #schcom0928
• Shaw Downing with an update on PSAT's, needing proctors to conduct the testing. Back to school night Thursday, Home coming Oct 7, register before req'd #schcom0928

Superintendent's report

• Superintendent's report - key follow up to Kenzie's info; Principal Hanna sent note to FHS community today (copy to share later) #schcom0928, it was not a FPS student but they were found. "It puts a voice to the hurt" thank you for sharing and having the courage to do so
• Principal Hanna reaching to the appropriate clubs to respond to the FHS community. Half day on Friday, PDD for staff. #schcom0928 Supt report link to be posted Weds (while be shared after it is available)
• Supt Ahern and Business Admin Goodman to participate in the Town Council meeting next week to talk school topics among budget. School transport and buses an issue, late buses not available now. hence club and activities potentially hindered. #schcom0928
• curriculum night was a question to be in person or remote, hoped in person would be better; COVID protocols needed to be followed, to address # of folks in a room, shorter duration and smaller groups #schcom0928 middle/FHS coming later
• materials prepared for consistency in delivery, further opportunities? yes, all year long - teachers are responsive to requests; conferences coming in Nov #schcom0928
• "this highlights how important our diversity, equity and inclusion work is" different experience for a SchCom member at the curriculum night, it was informally organized and allowed for moving around. #schcom0928

Guests/Presentations

• Lily Rivera introduced by Supt Ahern, Lily tells of her early weeks working in this role (shared with the Town) for communications and marketing #schcom0928
• next update from the Digital Learning Integrationists (DLI) team can provide insights on what they do #schcom0928
• Slide with DLI team members #schcom0928
• presentation copy can be found online (of course!) #schcom0928
• https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/school_committee_digital_learning_presentation_2021.pdf 
• cooking with Google - info on Google tool suite basics (link in presentation doc shared earlier) #schcom0928
• They also have a page on the FPS website rich with links and resources -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/digital-learning  #schcom0928
• working on a single sign-on tool to make things easier to access appropriately #schcom0928
• maker spaces are all in some space in or near the Library in each of the schools #schcom0928

Discussion/Action Items

• Franklin TV Board Appointment - I recommend the appointment of Rose Turco to the Franklin TV Board of Directors. - motion seconded, passes via roll call 7-0 #schcom0928
• MASC Delegate - I recommend the Committee appoint Denise Spencer to serve as the Committee's delegate to the annual MASC Annual Meeting of Delegates as discussed.  motion seconded, passes 7-0 via roll call #schcom0928 (risk of delegate due to conf and election timing)
• ** Policy - Waiving 1st reading - I recommend waiving the First Reading of Policy EBCFA Face Coverings as discussed. motion, seconded, passes 7-0 via roll call #schcom0928
• ** D. Policy Adoption - I recommend adopting policy EBCFA - Face Coverings as discussed  #schcom0928 - minor changes, and inclusion of non-compliance section - motion, seconded, passes 7-0 via roll call - (community) input included in the policy;
• policy discussion on masks not over yet, DESE guidance still incomplete and lacking; we can be stronger than DESE but not more lenient, hard to plan for policy changes in these circumstances #schcom0928
• MASC resolution discussion tonight, vote comes later: doc with resolution can be found -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/resolutions21.pdf  #schcom0928

Discussion Only Items

• next up - ESSER III funding plan -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/esser_iii_funding_proposal.pdf  #schcom0928
• beginning slide 4, an accounting of the COVID funding received thus far #schcom0928 page 7 gets into the ESSER III funding to be spread over next couple of years; putting plan together in consideration of other funding sources
• page 10 highlighted items are an area of funding possible via ESSER funds; some although ranked high don't really qualify for this funding; #schcom0928 Air conditioning is a project beyond the scope of this funding
• page 11 also has two highlights for areas of possible funding #schcom0928 page 15 has the five priority areas broken out by the stakeholder groups - Page 17 has the start of the proposed ESSER funding requests
• page 18 closes out the proposal with two more line items - "Our Challenge - Develop a plan between FY 22 and FY 24 to sustain investments that are needed in the long-term"  #schcom0928
• The survey can also be used as input for other needs discussions. #schcom0928 a job description would come to committee for review before posting once needed
• next up - back to school status update -> doc located here https://franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/back_to_school_status_update_september_24_2021.pdf… #schcom0928 gradually approx. 80% across Franklin, how to determine which of these are FPS vs. elsewhere
• data collection currently focused on FHS, currently 75% with more clarification on the numbers being worked. Middle school problematic as not all of them are currently eligible; close contacts will get complicated as this goes forward without masks (i.e 3' to 6') #schcom0928
• test and stay up and running - no testing without consent, forms on website, top of page easy to find #schcom0928 MCAS scores coming out this week, more full evaluation forthcoming once received and understood. Math a standout area of concern
• what happens if we don't get to 80%, then the whole school stays masked until such time. #schcom0928 to check on testing form if submitted, contact the school nurse; out of school exposure does not qualify for test/stay

Information matters

• Info matters - budget handout prepared by budget subcommittee; booth at Harvest Festival (Zone 5 - Rockland Trust parking lot, near Emmons St) #schcom0928
• Policy next meeting, Oct 6; 6 to 7:30 PM likely in training room; next meeting Oct 21 
• Joint PCC did meet yesterday; no field trips for fall, maybe for spring; equitable funding and resources desired. Substance taskforce, looking for SAFE hosting #schcom0928
• SWAC first meeting next week; ad-hoc committee to schedule meeting; Hock Y still serving free food, daycare available; other support groups for specific illnesses; #schco0928
• moving to consent agenda - separate the minutes for Sep 14, motion to approve, second, passes via roll call 6-0-1 (1 abstain -Judy)
• motion to accept consent agenda, second, passes 7-0 via roll call #schcom0928
• motion to adjourn, seconded, passes 7-0 via roll call, that's all for tonight  #schcom0928

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

 

Digital Learning Integrationists (DLI) team