Outside is the Best Side!

Ridgewood parents had a meaningful and inspiring Parent Book Club discussion on the book, "The Anxious Generation!" They dove into some of the book’s key recommendations for supporting healthier childhood development in today’s digital world- like waiting until at least age 14 to give kids smartphones, holding off on social media until 16, encouraging phone-free schools, and helping kids build independence through real-world responsibility, free play, and face-to-face connection. What made the night even more powerful was hearing directly from our students. Our 8th graders shared eye-opening data about screen time usage among Ridgewood students- sparking important reflection for all of us. And our 7th graders introduced their incredible initiative, “Outside is the Best Side,” a student-led group encouraging peers to step away from screens and spend more time playing, exploring, and connecting outdoors. It was a reminder that this isn’t just a conversation among adults- our kids are thinking about these issues too, and they’re ready to be part of the solution. We are grateful for a community that shows up, listens, and works together to support healthier, happier kids.