The Scarsdale chapter of IRL (In Real Life) NY is excited to announce its first Alternative Device Fair, taking place on Saturday, November 22, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the Scarsdale Library. This event aims to bring families and community members together to explore safer, kid-friendly phones and watches.
Organized by local parents, Ariana Green, Lisa Berman, and Alison Levy, the event will feature hands-on experiences with a variety of alternative devices designed with children’s safety in mind. Vendors including Bark, Gabb, Pinwheel, Troomi, and Lightphone will be present to showcase their products, answer questions, and provide insight into how these devices can help kids stay connected without the risks associated with traditional smartphones and social media. The fair will also include crafts and activities for kids and pre-teens, as well as snacks and drinks.
The founders of IRL NY’s Scarsdale chapter are inspired by the work of Jonathan Haidt in his book The Anxious Generation. They are committed to initiating a tech reset in Scarsdale and the greater Westchester area in line with the nationwide movement to set healthy tech norms. Their goal is to encourage families to make deliberate choices about technology, such as waiting until children are 16 before introducing social media and in high school to have a smartphone. Identifying the right alternative device for your child and family can help ensure their safety and well-being in the meantime.
“Research shows that when just 25 to 30 percent of a community embraces new norms, meaningful cultural change can follow,” said Ariana Green, co-founder of the Scarsdale chapter of IRL NY. “By working together, we can help our children avoid early exposure to addictive devices and social media, supporting healthier brain development during their most critical years.”
To register, visit: https://bit.ly/ScarsdaleDeviceFair.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to build healthier habits in your family and join a community of parents setting new tech norms for our community.