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BRIK Initiative

Download the checklist here

A flyer promotes a 'Screen-Free for a Better Me' challenge with a list of activities.

 

 

A flyer promotes a 'Screen-Free for a Better Me' challenge with a list of activities.

BRIK Initiative

BRIK stands for Building Resiliency in Kids. This community-wide effort is designed to strengthen the mental, emotional, and social well-being of our students in today’s challenging world.

Through school teams, parent partnerships, and staff involvement, the BRIK Initiative focuses on:

  • Resilience & Confidence: Helping students develop the skills to bounce back from setbacks and handle challenges.

  • Healthy Digital Habits: Guiding students toward balanced use of technology and social media.

  • Connection & Support: Strengthening relationships between students, staff, parents, and the community.

  • Shared Learning: Using resources such as The Anxious Generation book study and ongoing training to support growth.

Our ultimate goal is to create learning environments where students are fully present, supported, and prepared for success—Every Child, Every Minute, Every Day.

BRIK's Four Step Approach

Canton Local’s BRIK Initiative brings families, schools, and the community together to make a few key changes that help protect kids and build their real-world skills:

  1. Wait Until 8th – Delay giving kids smartphones until high school.
  2. 16 to Screen – No social media until age 16.
  3. Phone Down, Minds Up – Create phone-free school days.
  4. Let Me Grow – Encourage childhood independence through more unstructured play and real-life experiences.

 

BRIK Initiative

 

What can you do now?

If you haven’t given them a phone yet…DON’T!

  • No Smartphone before age 14.
  • If they need a phone, get them a flip phone and DON’T BUDGE.
  • Begin assigning tasks for your child to do independently of you.
     

If you have given them a phone…SET LIMITS

  • Renegotiate immediately
  • No smartphone at night-EVER! Have them plug it in/charge it in your room.
  • Set restrictions. Learn how to control settings. "Wait Until 8th" - Phone Fundamentals.
  • Establish phone-free times at home.
  • Study Zones - No scrolling

Resources:

The word 'BRIK' is displayed in bold, graffiti-style lettering, with the tagline 'Building Resiliency in Kids'.

Click image for a link to the slideshow presentation 

A graphic on a brick wall outlines steps for responsible technology use for children.

Image promoting a book discussion, featuring covers of books about anxiety and parenting.

 

BRIK Video

Click the sound button if you are unable to hear the video. The video should play automatically.