You, Me, We, All is excited to announce a fundraising campaign aimed at helping schools across the Treasure Valley successfully create phone-free environments. It is known that limiting cell phone use throughout the school day enhances student focus, improves academic performance, and most importantly supports the mental well-being of our youth.

Successful implementation of a phone-free policy requires two key strategies. First, the school community must be educated about the importance of a phone-free school policy, and second, an effective method must be utilized to prevent students from accessing their personal devices during the school day without putting too much stress on teachers and staff. 

Extensive research shows that there is no one-size-fits-all approach; each school must identify the strategy that works best for its unique circumstances and the students / personnel. Options may include having students store their phones in their lockers or using specialized storage solutions like secure pouches (e.g., Yondr) or cell phone lockers. 

This initiative comes in response to increasing concerns about the negative impact of cell phone use and social media on students' mental health and academic performance. Research, including a CDC Report in October 2024, shows that increased social media usage correlates with heightened anxiety, depression, bullying, and body image issues among adolescents. In June 2024, "the United States Surgeon General called for a warning label on social media platforms, stating that social media is associated with significant mental health harms for adolescents. These harms are not a failure of willpower and parenting; they are the consequences of unleashing powerful technology without adequate safety measures, transparency or accountability".

You, Me, We, All, partners with Treasure Valley schools to provide the necessary resources and support for successfully transitioning to a phone-free school model. Your donations go directly towards these vital tools and resources.

Please consider contributing to this important cause that prioritizes the well-being of our youth. Any amount is helpful and appreciated. 

To learn more about our work and how you can get involved, visit our website at youmeweall.org or reach out to us at [email protected]. 

We're in this together and we can make a difference!