You don’t have to wait to be picked to belong — belonging begins with your next move. At school, every new group, every kind word, every phone left in the bag gives the invitation to someone else. Start small: join a club, ask a question, show up. And you’ll soon see that belonging isn’t about fitting in; it’s about showing up for others.

Parents want to support their kids in developing healthy tech habits—and schools can step in as trusted partners. Together they can build shared strategies, open conversations and routines that extend beyond the classroom into the home.

In a world where screens dominate, what looks like connection can often feel isolating. Studies show that spending more than two hours a day on social media or gaming increases anxiety and depression among youth. Real-life relationships, on the other hand, build empathy, confidence, and resilience—reminding us that true connection happens face-to-face.

From burner phones to banned-devices pouches, students are finding creative ways around school smartphone bans. The issue isn’t just the device—it’s the deeper question of why young people feel compelled to stay connected. A shift in approach is needed: one that doesn’t merely restrict phones, but teaches students how and why they use them.