A District 196 family & community initiative
We're parents, caregivers, and neighbors across Eastview, Eagan, Rosemount, and Apple Valley pushing back on the screen-based childhood — and choosing real-world connection instead.
Mission & vision
We are a growing group of District 196 parents and community members concerned about the unchecked expansion of screen-based technology into daily life. We're working to restore real-world connection, reclaim our collective attention, and champion intentional technology use to build stronger communities and drive lasting change for the next generation.
We believe tech can be a powerful tool when it's used with intention and purpose. We also believe childhood needs protecting in an increasingly digital world. Technology keeps advancing faster than society can adapt — collective action remains our greatest tool for change.
Take action
These are the two highest-impact things you can do for District 196 students this week.
Add your name to call for away-all-day phone policies across District 196 — so kids can focus, engage, and thrive without a screen in their pocket.
Sign the petition →Tell District 196 you support responsible, evidence-based technology policy in our schools. Hosted with Four Norms.
Sign the petition →Connect with us
Real-world connection starts with finding each other. Here's where the 196 Unplugged community gathers.
Join parents and caregivers organizing across Minnesota — share wins, ask questions, find your local chapter.
Join the chat →Follow Phone-Free Schools for 196 for updates, action alerts, and community moments.
@phonefree196 →Like and follow Phone Free Schools for 196 for news and discussion in your community.
Phone Free Schools for 196 →Your voice matters
Every policy conversation gets stronger with real families behind it. Tell us how screens, schools, and childhood look from where you stand — your story may help shape what comes next for District 196.
Share your story →Research & resources
We're pro-evidence, not anti-tech. These are the resources we lean on most.
Our network
196 Unplugged is a local chapter organizing alongside MN Unplugged, a statewide network of Minnesota parents and communities working to restore real-world connection and build a healthier relationship with technology.
MN Unplugged Organizing across Minnesota — visit mnunplugged.orgQuestions? Ideas?
We'd love to hear from you — whether you want to get involved, have a question, or just want to talk it through.