Dodgers Delay Newsletter

February 2026

We are so thrilled to share that Dodgers Delay was recognized by the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly with a Joint Legislative Resolution for our contributions and commitment to creating healthy technology habits in our schools and community. We know that advocacy and discussion are the driving force that will lead to better guardrails that will protect our children in this ever-changing digital world.

Last week, founding DD member Dr. Laura Venuto was invited by MAMA (Moms Against Media Addiction) to share an oral testimony at the Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee Hearing, led by Assemblyman Chris Tully, chair and Assemblyman Balvir Singh, vice-chair. She shared her concerns as both a parent and clinical psychologist to a packed room in Trenton. Click below for details about the legislation at our state level.

New Jersey Kids Online Safety Legislation Fact Sheet

News Coverage -State Assembly Committee Advances Bills to Protect Kids on Social Media 

Our group will continue to advocate at all levels, and we hope you’ll join us!

Please share and continue to spread the word so that as a community we can DELAY together!

DELAY access to fully-loaded smartphones

DELAY access to social media

DELAY unfettered access to the internet

For more info, visit our new website www.dodgersdelay.com or email us at dodgersdelay@gmail.com.

GLOBAL DAY OF UNPLUGGING - March 6-7

“We’re living in a noisy, always-on culture where constant connectivity is costing us real connections. The places and practices we once turned to for belonging are fading away. People know they need better balance, but most don’t know where to start….Join Global Day of Unplugging and help spark the shift back to what truly matters.”

This is an easy way to spark the discussion about our use of tech in our homes and schools. Madison, let’s take the day away from tech - and see what happens!

From LetGrow.org…

If you’ve ever wondered…

Have screens taken over more of childhood than we ever intended?
How do we help kids build confidence, independence, and real-world resilience again?
What can we do that actually works, without shame, panic, or perfection?

You’re not alone — and there is a better way forward.

Join us for a conversation with Catherine Price, co-author of “The Amazing Generation,” the kid-friendly companion to “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt (Let Grow Co-Founder). Catherine will share practical, encouraging ideas for helping kids grow up with more freedom, connection, and screen-free play.

Thursday, February 26, 2026 | 7:00pm EST

Together, we’ll explore how to reset the tone at home, make room for real-life fun, and help kids build the skills that screens can’t teach.

Let’s make childhood amazing again — full of independence, discovery, and confidence.

Save your seat here! Can’t attend? Register anyway and we will send you a link to the recording!

We are hopeful that the Madison Public Schools will participate in some way with the Global Day of Unplugging. Our neighbors in South Orange Maplewood are doing one screen-free hour in their schools. If you want to help build the momentum for this project, please encourage our schools to participate.

“My son has been wanting to go to school more than ever since students have been encouraged to play in the snow during recess at Central Avenue School. It’s so good to see him look forward to school. Also, I think the change is helping him develop his organizational skills, which are important as he gets ready for middle school. Every night, he makes sure to pack his snow gear so that he is able to play in the snow at recess. Watching him has reminded me that intrinsic motivation drives positive change. It also makes it very clear just how much children need to unplug, go outside, and play. I am happy our school is supporting that.”

-Madison parent of elementary student

We’d love to hear from you! Please email us to share your story.

■ Foster a pet from St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center - they supply the pet and supplies, you provide the love! Click here for details

■ Check out the new NRG Adventure Park in Springfield.

■ The snow is coming! Build a snowman. Sled down a hill. Make hot chocolate. Read a book by a fire.

Email us with your creative and fun ideas to share!

“Jonathan Haidt: Why the World Is Drawing a Line on Social Media for Kids”

-The Free Press article, February 11, 2026

“You Have to be Human - I Realize Now I Want to be Real” - a response to AI chatbots

-After Babel Article by Freya India, February 4, 2026