DISCONNECT 2 RECONNECT

What is the D2R Coalition?

The Disconnect to Reconnect (D2R) campaign began in 2024 as a time-limited project of Westchester County’s 0-6 Subcommittee. D2R arose out of concerns by early childhood service providers and advocates about the detrimental impact of excessive screen time on very young children, and the equally troubling decline of play. A grant from the Board of Legislators to the Westchester Children’s Museum for the distribution of over 5,000 fun and interactive activity kits to area families through a variety of organizations, including mental health agencies, libraries and community nonprofits.

In spring 2025, the D2R campaign was officially launched at the Children’s Museum with the participation of County Executive Ken Jenkins and the Westchester County Board of Legislators. The enthusiasm and diversity of participants made it clear that “disconnecting to reconnect” was important not just for young children, but also for those caring for and interacting with them, as well as older children, teens, and adults in general.

While D2R initially focused on the impact of screen time and social media on young children, our school age subcommittee, composed of a growing number of parents, has inspired us to broaden our view. This group has been looking at the implementation of the NYS Bell to Bell Policy and the growing use of educational technology in increasingly younger grades and hopes to work more closely with educational leaders and policymakers both locally and on the state level to ensure access and safety for our children.

How can you get involved?

The Disconnect to Reconnect Coalition is proposed as the unifying platform for action among interested parents, educators, healthcare providers, and government and community agencies. From an ongoing basis of education and communication, D2R is now moving forward as a coalition rather than a campaign. We are working now to formalize our structure and operations as a coalition with the aim of expanding our support and activities.

D2R is looking for committed volunteers to help lead the Coalition in meeting its mission through a robust volunteer committee and task force structure. If you would like to know more about how you can share your leadership skills and expertise, we invite you to reach out to one of us: D2Rinfo@wlsmail.org