Digital media and smartphones are everywhere.  It’s hard to imagine life these days without instant access to Google, Facebook, texting, or digital maps.  And that’s just at the dinner table.  

The Tech Timeout Academic challenge is an innovative and fun program that asks kids to shut down their technology for a few days and talk or write about the experience.  Other schools across the country are taking the Challenge with eye-opening results.  By taking a few days off one quickly realizes how dependent we all are on these gadgets, to stay connected with our friends, find our way to an address, organize a get-together, and so much more.  According to recent studies, 8-18 year-olds are connected to some form of electronic media for 8-12 hours per day and may be missing out on the positive effects of tech-free family and friend time.  

Tri-Center has decided to take the Challenge!  Beginning at 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday, November 18, we will ask our students to put their cell phones on ice and go three full days without digital media.  The Challenge will end at 10:45 a.m. Friday, November 21.

This is entirely voluntary and either you or your student can opt out, though we strongly encourage everyone to give it a shot.  The goal of Tech Timeout is not to demonize technology,  but rather to help students take a step back and gain some perspective on their media habits, allowing them to create personal goals and balance in their future media use.  

Teachers have been asked to provide lessons or alternatives that do not include digital media during the Challenge timeframe if at all possible.  Students participating will turn in their device (smartphone or primary device) and they will be safely kept locked in our vault for the duration of the Challenge.  Please send the Sign-Off Sheet (included in this packet) in with your student by Tuesday, November 18 if you decide to take the challenge.  

Parents sometimes resist the idea of their kids not having cell phones.  The access it grants is convenient and reassuring.  That’s why we’re making a concerted effort to keep you in the loop.  We will do our best to carefully plan all activities, coordinate pick-ups/drop-offs, develop backup plans and emergency contacts.

In this packet you will find more information on the Tech Timeout, as well as a list of Frequently Asked Questions, and a sheet that you and other family members can sign pledging your own participation.  If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact us.  We’re looking forward to an amazing experience.  

Tech Timeout Coordinator:  Casey Ring; cring@tctrojans.org, 485-2257

High School Administrator:  Angie Huseman; ahuseman@tctrojans.org, 485-2257