Crane Country Day School Established 1928

Crane School Blog: Focus on Learning

Featuring articles written by Crane Staffulty

For more information about Crane Country Day School, please contact admission@craneschool.org or call 805-969-7732 x127.

Day of Unplugging
Sarah Lopez

At the beginning of the year, when I first mention Crane's Day of Unplugging, students nod in agreement and understanding. In class discussions, students agree it's a good idea to unplug, generally seeing the day as "no big deal." As we edge closer to Friday, February 21, Crane's technology-free day, the attitude begins to shift and groans and complaints emanate from Upper School students. Questions and concerns bubble up to the surface...

At the beginning of the year, when I first mention Crane's Day of Unplugging, students nod in agreement and understanding. In class discussions, students agree it's a good idea to unplug, generally seeing the day as "no big deal." As we edge closer to Friday, February 21, Crane's technology-free day, the attitude begins to shift and groans and complaints emanate from Upper School students. Questions and concerns bubble up to the surface:

"Can I just bring my laptop to school?"
"Do I have to unplug at home?"
"Do my parents have to unplug?"
"How will I call my mom? I don't know her number!"

While no one wants to consider, much less admit the possibility of a device or social media addiction, people of all ages wrestle with contemplating a day without their device appendage. Studies remind us it is a universal issue with statistics that include, "84% of cell phone users claim they could not go a single day without their device," and "88% of U.S. consumers use mobile devices as a second screen even while watching television."

In addition to research confirming the adverse effects of persistent plugging in, a psychological disorder is identified as a result of feeling that someone or something is more interesting than what is currently going on in one's life. With the steady stream of pictures, videos, and captions on Instagram, Snapchat, Tik Tok, and other social media platforms, many individuals fall victim to FOMO (Fear of Missing Out).

Contrary to what you might hear from your child, Crane's Day of Unplugging is a day to recapture the idea of living in the moment. A day to shut out the noise and distractions of Google, desktop pictures, notifications, text messages from family and friends, and to physically be free from devices. Unplugging may be a bit of a shock to students. Still, we hope our community benefits from a day without technology, and individuals will take the opportunity to share these benefits with families.

Sarah Lopez
Technology Specialist & Laptop Coordinator

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