Technology/Social MediaRelationships/Communication

Catherine Price

DOUBLE FEATURE EVENT - The Amazing Generation: Breaking Up with Screens and Unlocking Kids’ Potential in a Tech-Filled Environment

Noon-2pm CST 7-9pm CST

12:00 pm CST 7:00 pm CST

When

Tue, May 5, 2026 @ Noon-2:00 pm and 7-9:00 pm CT

Where

Virtual Event

Program Takeaways Adult Session:

Kids and adults are on the same side in the screen-time conversation.
Catherine Price emphasized that the issue is not “parents versus kids,” but families learning together how technology and algorithms compete for attention, time, and relationships.

Real connection cannot be replaced by digital substitutes.
The discussion highlighted the importance of “real friendship, real freedom, and real fun,” noting that scrolling and social media often imitate—but do not truly provide—meaningful human experiences.

Children are deeply aware of adult screen habits.
Kids notice when adults are distracted by phones, and many shared emotional stories about feeling ignored or unseen when parents were mentally elsewhere while physically present.

The goal is not to reject technology, but to use it intentionally.
Price explained the “Rebel’s Code”: use technology as a tool, but don’t let technology use you. The focus was on awareness, balance, and making intentional choices.

Screen-free moments create more joy, creativity, and presence.
Through stories about camps, outdoor play, and real-world experiences, the presenters reinforced that kids thrive when they have opportunities for independence, movement, friendship, and unstructured fun away from screens.

To receive detailed program summaries and be notified of upcoming events sign up for the GPS weekly newsletter.

Program Takeaways Student Session:

Technology companies are competing for kids’ attention—not their well-being.
Catherine Price explained how social media platforms and apps are intentionally designed to keep users scrolling, clicking, and returning through dopamine-triggering features like notifications, streaks, autoplay, and endless feeds.

Real friendship, freedom, and fun happen offline.
Throughout the presentation, Price emphasized that the goal is not simply reducing screen time, but helping young people experience more meaningful connection, independence, creativity, and joy in real life.

Screen habits are shaping developing brains.
Adolescence was described as a critical period for brain development, where repeated behaviors strengthen certain neural pathways. Price warned that constant short-form scrolling can train brains to become more distractible and less focused over time.

Many teens regret how much time they spend online.
The presentation highlighted surveys and student reflections showing that many young people feel trapped by social media and wish they had spent more time developing hobbies, friendships, and real-world experiences instead.

Young people can choose a different path.
Price introduced the idea of “young rebels”—students choosing to delay smartphones, delete social media, use simpler phones, and advocate for phone-free spaces in schools to reclaim attention and connection.

To receive detailed program summaries and be notified of upcoming events sign up for the GPS weekly newsletter.

Adult session with Catherine Price and Dr. Aliza Pressman is below. Contact Gilda Ross for the student program ([email protected]).

Catherine Price with Katherine Schwarzenegger.

The Amazing Generation! Your Guide to Fun and Freedom in a Screen Filled World
Noon-1:00 PM CT: Parent Program

1:00-2:00 PM CT: Student Presentation for tweens (and teens too!)

7:00-8:00 PM CT: Parent Program

8:00-9:00 PM CT: Student Presentation for tweens (and teens too!)

Join us for a special two-hour Zoom event hosted by GPS, featuring Catherine Price, co-author with Jonathan Haidt of “The Amazing Generation.” This event will delve into the critical issues surrounding adolescent development, particularly the impact of smartphones and social media. Participants will learn how constant device use damages kids’ focus, deep thinking, and ability to create new, lasting memories. This is a topic that has been brought to global attention by Haidt’s influential book, “The Anxious Generation,” which explores how these technologies are affecting young people.

This groundbreaking book and unique 2-hour GPS opportunity is designed to empower parents and caregivers as well as tweens and teens. During the first hour, from Noon to 1 PM and again from 7 PM to 8 PM, come discover surprising facts and secrets that tech corporations hope to keep hidden from both children and adults regarding smart device use in young children. The second hour, from 1 PM to 2 PM and again from 8 PM to 9 PM, we will shift the focus to youth. This segment aims to enhance and enrich the lives of tweens AND teens by equipping them with the tools and knowledge to choose a life not dominated by screens.

This program will share true stories from teens and young adults about their regrets over getting smartphones too soon. With bold graphics the book is designed to help readers become their most authentic, confident, and courageous selves, steering clear of becoming part of the “anxious generation” overwhelmed by smart devices.

Here are some resources that may be of interest

Community Reads Guide for both the adult’s and kid’s book: https://penguinschoollibrary.com/TAGCommunityReadsGuide
Educator Guide: https://penguinschoollibrary.com/AmazingGenEdGuide
Free Family Starter Kit: https://catherineprice.com/family
Free 27-page illustrated preview of the book: https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/book/amazinggeneration
Want to connect with other local families navigating these issues? Join Glen Ellyn Unplugged to find community support and learn about local efforts around kids and technology.

Price, an award-winning health journalist and founder of Screen/Life Balance, is the bestselling author of several books, including “How to Break Up With Your Phone: The 30-Day Plan to Take Back Your Life,” “The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again,” and “The Amazing Generation: Your Guide to Fun and Freedom in a Screen-Filled World” (co-authored with Jonathan Haidt). Her journalistic work has appeared in publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Popular Science, and her TED talk has garnered over 5 million views.

You are invited to share information about this event with your friends and family. Our complimentary weekly GPS events are open to all, and no registration is necessary.

Price will be in conversation with Dr. Aliza Pressman from noon-1:00 p.m. and 7-8:00 p.m.