We are a growing group of Maine parents, educators and community members concerned about the evolution of a screen-based childhood. Together, we are coordinating toward a healthier, less technology-based childhood in Maine, improving our schools and family life, and protecting our kids' mental health.
Together, we can turn the tide.
Read about LD 1234: Cell Phone Ban in Maine Schools
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Read about LD 1234: Cell Phone Ban in Maine Schools ➡️
We are a group of 20+ Maine organizations, driven by 1000+ Maine citizens, representing most of the State of Maine.
It all started in the spring of 2024, when a grassroots movements started in several communities across the state of Maine. Early on, we realized that in order to make a difference, we needed to come together as a coalition across the state—sharing our experiences, and learning from one another. Collective action gives parents a technology off ramp they don’t have as an individual.
The Turn the Tide Coalition advocates for no smartphones before high school, no social media before 16, no phones in schools, and more free, independent play. These guidelines aim to give kids the space to engage with the real world and develop into well-rounded, resilient individuals who are empathetic, curious, playful, kind, and confident in their own abilities.
Technology has advanced at a mind-boggling pace, and society is still catching up. But one thing remains certain: the power of community to effect change.
It’s not too late to change course.
ABOUT LD 1234:
Act for bell-to-bell phone-free schools in Maine
LD 1234 requires the Department of Education to adopt rules restricting the use of personal electronic communication devices by students. This bill requires all public schools to implement a policy prohibiting student access to personal electronic devices during instructional time and school-related activities. The policy must require devices to be turned off, securely stored and inaccessible to students, with certain limited exceptions for medical and educational needs.
Maine children are experiencing a mental health crisis and the heavy use of smartphones and social media is a primary contributor. At the same time, academic results in Maine are declining, with student performance in reading and math reaching historical lows.
