screens down. eyes up. life is waiting!
Screens are shaping our lives.
Smartphone overuse, rising stress, shrinking sleep, and constant comparison are taking a toll on our community, especially our kids.
Oshkosh is ready to take action.
Local experts agree: Social media and online behavior are fueling isolation, anxiety, and depression—and the time to act is now. The Women’s Fund launched The SMART Social Project to help Oshkosh build healthier, more intentional relationships with technology.
Look up, Oshkosh.
We're not asking anyone to ditch their phones. We're offering clear, community-wide solutions that support balance, well-being, and real-life connection.
screen time effects we can’t ignore
Screens are shaping our lives in powerful ways, and not always for the better. From sleep loss to social pressure, the effects of too much screen time are showing up in our homes, schools, and workplaces. Each month, The SMART Social Social Project highlights one of these key struggles to help families, educators, and community members take small, meaningful steps toward healthier habits and deeper connections.
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Fueling Addictive Behaviors
FEBRUARY
Social media is designed to keep you hooked, and it’s working. Learn how to spot the patterns, reclaim your focus, and build better social media mental health habits that put you back in control.
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Spreading Misinformation
MARCH
Not everything online is true, and your feed isn’t fact-checked. Get tools to empower your critical thinking so you can better spot clickbait and seek truth over trends.
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Leading to Sleep Deprivation
APRIL
Late-night scrolling is costing us sleep, and with it, our health, focus, and emotional resilience. Build better bedtime boundaries, so you can unplug, rest, and recharge for the day ahead.
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Inciting Social Comparison
MAY
Behind every perfect post is a curated story and comparing your real life to someone else’s highlight reel can erode self-worth. Learn how to embrace authenticity, build confidence, and connect beyond the filters.
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Encouraging Cyberbullying
JUNE
Online cruelty leaves real scars. From anonymous insults to targeted harassment, cyberbullying is harming kids and adults alike. Find out how you can promote empathy, respect, and digital responsibility online. Kindness should never be optional.
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real life events for really big fun
Every SMART Social Project event is a chance to unplug from screens and reconnect with real life. No matter if you’re a caregiver or teen, neighbor or friend, these gatherings are designed to spark conversation, build community, and create lasting memories without the distraction of technology.
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Unplug + Play
Tuesdays in February
TECH-FREE FAMILY NIGHT
Kick off healthier digital habits by putting screens down every Tuesday night in February. Throughout the month of February local Oshkosh businesses and community partners will offer fun events for the whole community to come together for screen free fun.
Find Out More > -
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Truth Quest
Coming in March!
OnlineMISINFORMATION CHALLENGE
How sharp are your sleuth skills? Stay tuned for the March Misinformation challenge that will test your skills in spotting reality from AI generated content and facts from fake news.
Find Out More > -
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PJ Powerdown
April 16
Community-wideNATIONAL PAJAMA DAY
Join us in the movement to win back zzzzzs from our screens. On April 16, show your support by wearing your SMART pajamas, or pjs of your choice, to school, work, grocery store or anywhere else your day takes you!Don’t have gear? We have you covered! Order your swag from our online store and have it delivered to your door!
How to Participate > -
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Helping Youth Thrive in a Digital World
Jan 22 8:00 – 9:15AM
Oshkosh Marriott Waterfront Hotel
COMMUNITY SESSION
Join Dr. Megan Moreno, professor and researcher at UW-Madison, for a keynote address and panel on the challenges and opportunities facing youth in a screen-saturated world.
Reserve Your Spot > -
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Making It Work: Resources for Healthy Media Use for Youth + Families
Jan 22 9:45 – 10:45AM
Oshkosh Marriott Waterfront Hotel
KNOWLEDGE SESSION
Join Dr. Megan Moreno, professor and researcher at UW-Madison, for a special knowledge session focused on building healthy relationships with media. Learn about practical tools, resources, and strategies for professionals supporting community mental health.
Reserve Your Spot > -
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More to the Story
May 1 – 31
Rotating LocationsART INSTALLATION
Join us to experience the "Power of the Purse" luncheon to learn more about The SMART Social Project in action and experience the interactive installation: Polaroids to Profile Pics: Social Comparison.The installation visualizes the journey from digital free life to digital native generations and the impact of both on sense of self and identity formation.
Find Out More > -
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No Trolls
June 06 6:30 – 8:30PM
Oshkosh Farmers MarketMOVIE NIGHT
Ready to take on the Trolls and shut down their actions by being informed and savvy with digital behavior? Kick off your troll hunting skills by joining us at the Oshkosh Farmers Market where you can hunt down and collect troll stickers from our SMARTverse case of characters.
Find Out More >
take the presence pledge
Screen time matters, but the real loss is what we miss while scrolling. Family dinners, spontaneous laughter, time in nature… real life is happening around us, and too often we look down instead of showing up.
Devices promise connection but often deliver isolation. The SMART Social Project is here to help you break the habit, reclaim your attention, and rediscover the joy of being fully present. Let’s pledge to tune in to life again.
TRUTH
The more time we spend online, the more we miss out on the real-life moments that matter most.
HARDER TRUTH
Your feed isn’t real life.
No one was born to scroll.
SOLUTION
Take The SMART Social Project Pledge and commit to a journey that prioritizes presence over pixels.
let's turn awareness into action
You’ve learned the why, now here’s the how:
The SMART Social Project offers trusted tools to help you build healthier screen habits. From quick tips to deep dives, our resource library is designed to meet you where you are and help you move forward.
get in touch
Have a question or want to get involved? Use the form to reach out about volunteering, sponsoring, or bringing The SMART Social Project to your school or organization. Together we can build a healthier digital culture.