Decision tree to help determine if a Smart Phone is right for a 13 year old?

"It’s hard to raise a child in a world their brain wasn’t built for.

Decision tree to help determine if a
Smart Phone is right for a 13 year old?

Smartphones feel essential to daily life, but for kids they bring adult content, comparison, cyberbullying, dopamine issues and levels of stimulation their developing brain can’t regulate.

Most kids aren’t “bad with phones”.

They’re just young – and overwhelmed.

This flowchart isn’t saying your child should never have a phone.

It’s showing that giving one too young, and without guidance, is like dropping them into a city without a map.

What matters most is getting them ready for what they’ll find there – through small, honest conversations that protect their brain, their confidence, and their safety.

If your child already has a phone, you haven’t “messed up”. You can start these conversations today.

This isn’t about banning childhood tech. It’s about giving kids the grounding and confidence to meet it when they’re ready. 

For some families that means supporting a child who already has a phone; for others, it means waiting until the time is right.

What are your thoughts on this topic?

🎨 Created by @tjpower and @smartphonefreechildhood 

🧠 Inspired by @mindandchild"

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

If you missed the podcast episode with Dr Carolyn Kuehnel and Dr Cindy Ballou, we ended up talking about screen time and will have a follow up conversation in the near future.  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/12/kuehnel-psychological-services.html

Finance Committee gets the answer on how much it would take to fully fund Technology (add $1.5M/year) (audio)

FM #1608 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1608 in the series. 

This session shares the Finance Committee meeting conducted Wednesday, December 12, 2025. All 9 members of the Committee participated, 8 in Council Chambers, with 1 remote; hence a roll call for required votes.

Quick recap:

• Technology Director Tim Rapoza was the key presenter and outlined the technology requirements for licenses, hardware, and software which enable the Town and Schools to deliver the services they do

• Key question: How much it would take to fully fund Technology for the hardware, software, licenses and personnel to support Town and School needs. Answer = add $1.5M/year to the existing budget

The recording runs just about 2 and ½ hours, let’s listen

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1608-franklin-ma-finance-cmte-mtg-12-10-25/

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Franklin TV video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeAQEXjI0D8 

Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12102025-2039  

Finance Cmte gets the answer on how
much it would take to fully fund
Technology (add $1.5M/year)

The presentation doc https://franklintechnology2025.my.canva.site/ 

Pictures of the slides presented are captured in one album ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/ThWM9bemHaA48xk69 

My notes can be found in one PDF ->    https://drive.google.com/file/d/10VfXGVVfuS1pge0RwuA3VxKgYAoZKuCx/view?usp=drive_link 

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

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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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"

Finance Committee gets the answer on how much it would take to fully fund Technology (add $1.5M/year) (video)

The Finance Committee met as scheduled on Wednesday, Dec 10, 2025. All 9 members participated; 8 in Council Chambers, 1 remotely.

Technology Director Tim Rapoza was the key presenter and outlined the technology requirements for licenses, hardware, and software which enable the Town and Schools to deliver the services they do.

Franklin TV video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeAQEXjI0D8

Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12102025-2039 

The presentation doc will be shared when available. In the meantime, pictures of the slides presented are captured in one album ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/ThWM9bemHaA48xk69

My notes can be found in one PDF ->    https://drive.google.com/file/d/10VfXGVVfuS1pge0RwuA3VxKgYAoZKuCx/view?usp=drive_link

the common practice for handling most technology requests

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, December 10, 2025 ???

Wednesday, December 10

1:00pm Writer's Group (Franklin Senior Center)

For additional details on Library events -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events

For additional details on Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

Library & Senior Center events

** Town Meetings today   **

Finance Committee Meeting

December 10, 2025, 6:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12102025-2039 

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

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendar

Finance Committee meeting scheduled for a "deep dive" into Technology

Finance Committee Meeting 

Agenda & Meeting Packet 

Wednesday, December 10, 2025 - 6:00 PM

Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. Public Comments 

- Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Finance Committee cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Finance Committee may ask town staff to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the town staff from correcting a misstatement of fact.

Finance Committee meeting scheduled
for a "deep dive" into Technology 

3. Approval of Minutes

a. October 22, 2025

4. The Bill Dowd “Deep Dive Series”

a. Technology Capital Presentation - Tim Rapoza, Technology Director

5. Future Agenda Items / Next meeting Dates:

a. January 14, 2026 (Town staff and Board of Assessors: the economics of development)

b. February 25, 2026

c. March 11, 2026

d. April 6, 7, 8 & 9, 2026 Finance Committee Budget Hearings

6. Finance Committee Member Comments

7. Adjourn

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12102025-2039

Agenda for Finance Committee Meeting on Weds, Nov 5 at 7 PM

Finance Committee 

Agenda & Meeting Packet 

Wednesday, November 5, 2025 = 7:00 PM

Franklin Municipal Building

355 East Central Street, 2nd Floor Council Chambers

Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. Public Comments 

- Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Finance Committee cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Finance Committee may ask town staff to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the town staff from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. Approval of Minutes

a. October 22, 2025

4. The Bill Dowd “Deep Dive Series”

a. Technology Capital Presentation - Tim Rapoza, Technology Director

5. Future Agenda Items / Next meeting Date:

a. December 10, 2025 - Economics of Development

6. Finance Committee Member Comments

7. Adjourn

Agenda doc contains remote participation info ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aN0UXMmHpFCRHUO6lrYv5bvtG3Utzt5K/view?usp=drive_link

Agenda for Finance Committee Meeting on Weds, Nov 5 at 7 PM

Finance Committee has gets a fiscal discussion but runs out of time to get into the Technology deep dive (audio)

FM #1555 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1555 in the series. 

This session shares the Finance Committee meeting conducted Wednesday, October 22, 2025. The Committee opened with 3 new members getting sworn in. The Committee also formally organized itself with votes to select George Conley as Chair, Natalie Riley as Vice-Chair and Lauren Nagel as Clerk

Quick recap:

• The agenda could not be completed in the time allotted before the Town Council meeting at 7:00 PM. The planned 'deep dive' on Technology was the major item as it will be rescheduled to their Nov 5 meeting.

• During Citizen Comments, M Minnechelli spoke on the economics of development proposals, i.e. 444 E Central, and the need for some body, perhaps FinCom to weigh in to help clarify the numbers that are being mentioned which are conflicting and perhaps erroneous. 

• The Town Administrator advised not weighing in on the specifics of 444 East Central as the public hearing is underway. However an understanding of the overall economics of development would be a good topic for a future meeting

• Much of the discussion revolved around the fiscal issues currently being faced not just by Franklin but by most communities in the State. The "perfect storm" report by the MMA was referenced. The work underway at the State level to take a new look at local contributions for Chap 70 could affect our "hold harmless" situation. The Federal cuts will affect Mass revenues, and some of that will also affect our State funding.

The MMA "perfect storm" report -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/19iUBj6jDGQuWo8XDCfhwefqnK9WlALK1/view?usp=drive_link 

The Town Administrator memo of Aug 7 was refreshed as many appear to have not read it, or understood the implications -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UnddsW97syeHkkVjNOgRlOkKgHgOGiS0/view?usp=drive_link 

The recording runs just about 68 minutes, let’s listen

Audio link ->   https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1555-franklin-ma-finance-cmte-mtg-10-22-25/

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

Franklin TV broadcast is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMhCNMRndj0 

The agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10222025-1961 

My notes in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/11PCj1OfVixPiPgZ8jrk5-HD7VjH3vuEu/view?usp=drive_link 

Explore the MMA’s new report,
"A Perfect Storm: Cities and Towns Face
Historic Fiscal Pressures", to understand why

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

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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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"

Agenda for the Finance Committee Meeting scheduled for Weds, Oct 22, at 5:30 PM

Finance Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at 5:30 PM

Franklin Municipal Building

355 East Central Street, 2nd Floor Council Chambers

Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. Swearing in of the new Finance Committee members

3. Election of Officers - Finance Committee Chair, Vice Chair & Clerk

4. Public Comments 

- Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Finance Committee cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Finance Committee may ask town staff to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the town staff from correcting a misstatement of fact.

5. Approval of Minutes

a. August 11, 2025 

6. Resolution Recommendation

a. Electric Charging Station Expenditure Limit

7. Standing Updates:

a. Stabilization Account Report

b. Budget vs Actuals 9-30-2025

c. Fees Revenue by Department 9-30-2025

d. FY26 Budget Tracker as of 9-30-2025

8. Town Budget Updates

a. Town Administrator Fiscal Forecast

i. Town Administrator Memorandum

ii. Five Year Fiscal Forecast

iii. Five Year Department Forecast

iv. Budget Presentation

b. A Perfect Storm: Cities and Towns Face Historical Fiscal Pressures

9. The Bill Dowd “Deep Dive Series”

a. Technology Capital Presentation - Tim Rapoza, Technology Director

10. Future Agenda Items / Next meeting Date:

a. November 5, 2025

b. December 10, 2025

11. Finance Committee Member Comments

12. Adjourn

The agenda doc is rich with links to supporting materials

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10222025-1961

Agenda for the Finance Committee Meeting scheduled for Weds, Oct 22, at 5:30 PM

Finance Committee reschedules their deep dive on Technology until the fall (audio)

FM #1467 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1467 in the series. 

This session shares the Finance Committee meeting very briefly conducted Wednesday, June 11, 2025. The Committee initially struggled to make a quorum needing 5 members. It had one, then 2, 3, and 4. Discussion on whether to hold the meeting as quorum appeared to be in jeopardy. 2 more arrived to make quorum. 

Given the nature of the topic, a deep dive on Technology, that 3 new members of the committee will be appointed in July and should participate, that 1 present wouldn’t be returning, it was decided to postpone the meeting and topic until the fall.

For the record, the decision was formalized with the ‘official’ meeting opening and closing in less than one minute. 

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1467-franklin-ma-finance-cmte-mtg-06-11-25/

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

Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06112025-1781

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

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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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"