ARTICLE: Garwood Candidate Looks to Help Combat Smartphone Addiction
By Sean Keagan Foley | Published in the Union County Hawk, October 19, 2023
The rise of smartphones and social media platforms has transformed the way we live, communicate, and interact with the world. While these technological advancements have brought numerous benefits, they have also given rise to one of the largest issues of our time: Smartphone and Social Media Addiction.
Smartphone and social media addiction is a complex issue with many health consequences. It affects people of all ages, impairing mental health, interpersonal relationships, productivity, and overall quality of life. Overuse of these technologies can lead to anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and result in decreased physical activity. I am deeply committed to the well-being of my constituents and recognize the urgency of addressing this problem. As councilman, I will develop strategies to help families and our community combat smartphone and social media addiction, one of the largest health issues of our time.
The Plan:
- Education and Awareness Campaigns: To combat addiction, we must start by raising awareness. As your councilman, the town of Garwood will develop educational campaigns aimed at informing residents about the potential risks of excessive smartphone and social media use. Workshops, seminars, and informational materials will be made available to Garwood schools and community centers.
- Support for Digital Detox Programs: Collaborate with local mental health organizations to offer support and resources for individuals seeking to reduce their screen time. This may include community-based digital detox programs and counseling services for those struggling with addiction.
- Promotion of Mindfulness Practices: Encourage mindfulness practices to help individuals regain control over their technology usage. Our team will accomplish this by developing mindfulness workshops and meditation sessions to promote mental well-being and reduce the compulsion to constantly check devices.
- Designated “NO SCROLL ZONES”: To create spaces for face-to-face and reduce dependence on smartphones, we will designate certain public areas, such as parks and community centers, as NO SCROLL ZONES. Signage and public awareness campaigns will support this initiative. We will also look to encourage local businesses to promote this campaign
- Parental Education and Support: Parents play a crucial role in shaping their children's relationship with technology. We will offer resources and workshops to help parents understand the risks of excessive screen time and learn effective strategies to manage their children's device usage
In conclusion, the fight against smartphone and social media addiction is complex and this plan, focusing on education, support, and responsible technology usage, seeks to address the root causes of addiction and foster a healthier relationship with technology. For too long we have left parents and teachers to fight against the scourge of smartphone and social media addiction without any assistance, as councilman I am here to assure you that we have your back and our support going forward. I am committed to working alongside my constituents to implement these measures and create a future where technology enhances our lives without dominating them.
Together, we can build a community that values human connection and well-being above all else. I share this vision with you in hopes that other towns may look to implement similar strategies also.