The Digital C.O.R.E.BETA

A Digital Community for Online Responsibility and Engagement

Designed to support elementary school communities in building a healthy and resilient relationship with digital technology
A product of discussions with the parents of Hampton Elementary School (Timonium, Maryland USA)
Rooted in a simple idea: technology is a powerful tool, but it's up to us to wield it wisely

Digital Sanity Checklist_ Decoding Tech Warning Signs and the Three Rules for Family Wellness.mp3

Our Core Principles

Please treat this website, and its materials, as a starting point for your own family's conversation. They are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional legal, medical, or psychological advice.

Technology is a Tool, Not a Master Remind yourself and your child that digital devices are simply tools designed to serve a purpose. They should enrich life, not dominate it.
Take Your Time & Sleep On It Technology platforms and their settings change constantly. We encourage you to explore these platforms yourself, consider the pros and cons, and sleep on it before implementing any new tool or app in your home.
Find Your Family Fit Every child and family is unique. A strategy that works for one household may not be the right fit for yours. All approaches require active, ongoing monitoring, and most importantly, open communicationwith your child.

⚠️ Warning Signs: When to Take a Closer Look 🧐

These signs suggest that a child's relationship with technology may be becoming unhealthy or disruptive:

Emotional and Behavioral Changes

😟 Mood Swings and Anxiety: A clear link is seen between excessive screen time and increased anxiety, depression, mood problems, and stress.
😡 Anger and Meltdowns: The child has emotional outbursts, tantrums, or violent reactions when it’s time to stop using a device or if the device is taken away.
🙄 Loss of Interest: The person begins to withdraw from activities, hobbies, and in-person social interactions they used to enjoy.
Using Screens to Cope: The device is used as the only way to "pacify" or stop a tantrum, or as an "escape hatch" to avoid responsibilities or difficult conversations.
Deception: The person starts sneaking extra screen time or lying about what they are doing online.

Physical and Academic Signs

Sleep Disruption (The Major Red Flag): Using screens 30–60 minutes before bed can suppress melatonin and disrupt the deep REM sleep needed for memory and learning. This is one of the biggest and most immediate warning signs.
Physical Complaints: Frequent, unexplained headaches, persistent neck and shoulder pain, or eye strain.
School Performance: A noticeable drop in grades or a significant inability to focus on homework and school tasks.

Family and Relationship Signs

Constant Battles: You feel trapped in a constant, draining battle over regulating your child's screen time.
Neglecting Relationships: An adult or child consistently prioritizes screen time over spending time with family and friends.
Inability to Be Bored: The person seems incapable of handling downtime or "boredom" without immediately reaching for a device.

Need Immediate Support?

If you or someone you know is physically unwell, please seek professional help immediately.

For Immediate Mental Health Support:
- You can dial or text 988 in the U.S. and Canada to reach a suicide and crisis support line.
For General Well-Being:
- Local community centers and public health services often have resources for both physical and mental wellness (see "Stay Healthy" section of this website).
- The World Health Organization (WHO) website is a reliable source for general health information.

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