The Story Behind D2R
The D2R campaign began in 2024 as a time-limited project of Westchester County’s 0–6 Subcommittee, part of the larger Coordinated Children’s Services Initiative. It grew out of concerns from early childhood providers and advocates about the harmful effects of excessive screen time on young children, and the decline of play for kids of all ages.
Key partners—the Westchester Library System (WLS), Westchester Children’s Museum, and Child Care Council of Westchester—led the effort. They were soon joined by the Westchester County Board of Legislators’ Families Task Force, which helped secure a grant to distribute over 5,000 interactive activity kits. These kits reached families through libraries, community nonprofits, mental health agencies, and the Department of Social Services.
Today, D2R continues to grow, with WLS as the lead organization and a growing coalition of strategic partners.
2025-2026 Project Activities
DCMH Commissioner Michael Orth and DCMH Program Director for Community Mental Health, Dr. Andy Bell, presented a white paper/strategic plan to help guide and focus D2R priorities moving forward. This document identifies evidence of excessive screen time and social media as a public health concern. With its widespread impact and prevalence, excessive screen time has led to negative health outcomes, adverse effects at various stages of development, and an overall decline in play (for example, recess time in schools has been reduced by 50% since the 1980s).
Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from youth groups, parents, schools, libraries, healthcare and mental health providers, technology sectors, and policymakers. Among the recommendations of the Strategic Plan are public education, messaging campaigns and strategies; support for local (grassroots) coalitions; advocacy for policy change; and evaluation and measurement.
2025-2026 Project Activities
DCMH Commissioner Michael Orth and DCMH Program Director for Community Mental Health, Dr. Andy Bell, presented a white paper/strategic plan to help guide and focus D2R priorities moving forward. This document identifies evidence of excessive screen time and social media as a public health concern. With its widespread impact and prevalence, excessive screen time has led to negative health outcomes, adverse effects at various stages of development, and an overall decline in play (for example, recess time in schools has been reduced by 50% since the 1980s).
Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from youth groups, parents, schools, libraries, healthcare and mental health providers, technology sectors, and policymakers. Among the recommendations of the Strategic Plan are public education, messaging campaigns and strategies; support for local (grassroots) coalitions; advocacy for policy change; and evaluation and measurement.
The Coalition has established several initiatives and projects.
Conference: The Transformative Power of Play: Combating Depression, Anxiety, and Isolation in the Digital Age, a full day conference on April 27, 2026, at Windrose Conference Center, Ossining, NY will take place on April 27, 2026, at the Windrose Conference Center in Ossining, NY. The conference aims to bring together stakeholders and experts to address the negative impact of the rising use of screen time, the decline in social connectedness and play among children, and to offer ideas for collective action, build synergies, and support positive actions to meet these challenges.
Information and Resources for the public. D2Rwestchester.org provides stakeholders with curated information, and resources, including research, facts vs. myths, as well as event listings that foster healthy connections and provide the science supporting the negative impact of excessive screen time. offering a centralized location for credible and curated information and resources.
Newsletter: Working with Steering Committee partners, WLS designs a monthly newsletter, shared with and shared by all stakeholders, County agencies, and County officials. D2R Newsletter Sign-up
Community Conversations: WLS procured the screening rights to the documentary Playing For Keeps: The Upside of Downtime at local libraries. Screenings include facilitated community conversations with topic experts. The film, directed by James Redford, explores the value of play from a health perspective. It features high-performing individuals who prioritize play as essential to a happier life and demonstrate how play is a potent antidote to those subjected to stress and danger on the job, while highlighting the power of a playful approach to our daily lives, regardless of our circumstances. It serves as a reminder that play is a natural and essential part of our lives, from birth to adulthood. Explore local events