Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Headline: Smartphones Vs Shiner: A Texas Showdown
Subheadline: Fed up with the mental health impacts of excessive screen time, a small Texas town fights back with a community-wide digital “Town Detox”.
Lead Paragraph: SHINER, TX – This small town in the heartland of Texas has had enough. Shiner parents will no longer tolerate Big Tech’s casual attitude toward its children's mental health and well-being. “It’s time to put that phone in its place.” The entire town has banded together to take aim at the increasing dangers of excessive screen time by swapping their smartphones for dumbphones. Shiner will stomp out phone overuse by combining a town-wide digital detox with domino tournaments, dances, bonfires, and increases in community interaction.
Body: Shiner, Texas (“The Cleanest Little City in Texas”) is a special place. The strong family culture “bubble” is evident across neatly cut lawns, passionate parents who come together on sports fields, and crisp American flags blowing in the wind. But even in Shiner (as in the rest of the world), screen-based dangers threaten the well-being and safety of our families.
Donald Woods, a resident and organizer of the Town Detox said, “The statistics are just terrifying. For example, 12 to 17-year-old teens are the largest consumer group of Internet pornography in America. The new age of onset of pornography consumption is eight years old, 89% of sexual advances against children originate online, and social media use predicts a decrease in life satisfaction among adolescents.”
Last fall, a survey revealed that 71% of incoming Shiner 9th graders want a social media detox. “That blew me away,” Woods said. “The kids know something is wrong, but they don’t know what to do, plus they’re afraid their parents will just take away a device which has become an addiction. Any solution would need to be holistic and community-wide.” Woods was inspired to take on this project when he worked for Techless, a Texas-based company that creates healthy technology.
Shiner’s Town Detox aims to dramatically reduce smartphone use by encouraging the community, especially students, to switch to dumbphones over a four-month challenge. Through a combination of educational and community events, Town Detox aims for a 40% reduction in smartphone use among students in its first year, with the goal of reaching a 75% reduction by the fourth year.
Town Detox will host Jesse Weinberger (a 15-year Internet Safety veteran, author, and TEDx Speaker) to present to Shiner’s public and private school students on healthy screen use. Jesse’s mama bear no-nonsense approach, depth of knowledge and dynamite delivery is the perfect catalyst to launch this initiative.
On Wednesday night, September 4, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, students, parents, and community members are invited to strengthen the Shiner bubble. This is the moment in which, surrounded by the support of their hometown, participating students will trade in their smartphone for a Wisephone. Shiner aims to become the standard bearer for other communities who want to protect their children.
Event Announcement: Challenge kickoff on September 4, where students and parents will have the opportunity to exchange their smartphones for a Wisephone. The event will feature presentations from Jesse Weinberger, an esteemed Internet Safety expert and TEDx speaker, who will discuss safer digital habits and the psychological impacts of technology. There will also be a Phone Smashing event, if you feel the desire to take out any frustrations with Big Tech.
Boilerplate: Town Detox is a community initiative focused on combating the adverse effects of smartphone addiction among youth. By promoting the use of healthy technology and fostering a supportive community environment, Town Detox strives to enhance the mental, social and spiritual well-being of the youth. Cultivating a healthier, more connected community will fortify future generations.
Contact Information: For more information, to participate in the event, or to support this initiative, please visit www.towndetox.com or contact: Donald Woods donald@towndetox.com 832-449-0424
End of Release
FAQs
What is Town Detox? Town Detox is a community initiative designed to reduce smartphone dependency through education, community engagement, and the adoption of Wisephones. It aims to spark a broader conversation about digital usage and protect vulnerable populations from digital addiction.
Who will benefit from Town Detox? Students, elderly, and their families will primarily benefit from reduced smartphone dependency. Educators, community leaders, and faith organizations will also benefit from a more engaged and attentive population.
Why should the community support this initiative? Supporting Town Detox advocates a healthier digital environment, opposing the intrusive aspects of modern technology. It promotes returning to meaningful personal interactions, the strengthening of community bonds, and the freedom to develop critical skills, read and pray.
What are the expected outcomes of Town Detox? The initiative aims to reduce smartphone usage by 40% among students in its first year, with a long-term goal of achieving a 75% reduction by the fourth year. Expected benefits include decreased rates of digital addiction, more sleep and brain development, and room for God to speak into hearts.
How will Town Detox be implemented?
Community Awareness: Leveraging local media, social platforms, and community events to inform and engage the public.
Education: Targeted educational programs for parents and students about the impacts of excessive smartphone use.
Challenge Perks: Students who commit to switching from a smartphone to a dumbphone unlock in school perks, fun community events and more.
Tracking and Adjustment: Continuous monitoring and perk adjustments to maximize impact.
For more information on Techless, visit www.techless.com
If you feel passionate about this project and want updates, please visit www.towndetox.com