Phone-Free Friday: A Digital Detox at MAC

Inspired by our staff book club’s reading of The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, MacLachlan’s Upper School students were invited to take on a unique challenge—spend the entire school day without their phones or smartwatches.

Nearly 60 students accepted the challenge, choosing to disconnect from their devices and reconnect with one another through meaningful, in-person interaction. As a reward for their commitment, students enjoyed Crumbl cookies and an afternoon in the Commons filled with classic board and card games.

It was a powerful reminder of the value of presence, play, and community—and just how refreshing a break from screens can be.