The Challenge

What problem are we addressing?

As a foundation, we are alarmed at the detrimental effects of social media on youth. We firmly agree with Jonathan Haidt's assessment that social media and other technologies have rewired children's brains and resulted in an epidemic of mental illness.

Due to the rise in popularity of social media and the reduction in youth experiencing the "real world," rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide have risen sharply over the past decade.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, any time.

Parents and schools have been overprotecting children in the real world and underprotecting children in the virtual world. We believe it is time to reverse this trend and save this generation of youth.

What is the Digital Detox Challenge?

The Digital Detox Challenge is a straightforward offer: if you agree to give up social media from now until the beginning of your senior year, and use only an approved device (or no device), the Goode Education Foundation will award you $1,000 (9th graders), $1,300 (8th graders), or $1,600 (7th graders).

While we support all efforts by governments, schools, parents, and other organizations to curb the use of social media, we hope this incentive-based and entrepreneurial effort will encourage students to forgo social media until their brains are mature enough to handle its damaging effects.

How do we propose to address this epidemic?

The Goode Education Foundation aims to provide incentives for youth to reject social media in hopes of reducing adolescent mental illness. While many well-intentioned and helpful proposals exist to address the use of cell phones and social media, we have developed a novel and entrepreneurial approach that has been successful with our own children.

What phones are approved?

Four ways to do this — pick whichever one fits your family. Every one of them counts. See all four options. Keeping an iPhone or Android means locking it down first — the step-by-step setup guide walks through it.

How will you operate the challenge?

Both the parent or legal guardian and the student must enroll and agree to the terms and conditions. Each quarter, they must then confirm their continued participation in the programme and adherence to its rules.

This process is managed through this website, where parents and students can view their enrollment status and participation. Third parties can donate to the Goode Education Foundation, with the option to earmark that donation for a specific student, or for all students. We hope that family members and loved ones will add funds to the award we are offering, creating an even greater incentive for students to participate.

What if a student falsely claims participation?

Each student and their parent or guardian must confirm their participation four times per year. While we monitor social media platforms to verify participation, we acknowledge that students determined to access social media may find ways to do so.

Ultimately, we rely on the honesty of students and parents. If they agree to the terms and re-affirm their commitment every quarter through to their senior year, we will disburse the funds.

When will students receive the money?

The Goode Education Foundation will pay each student who completes the challenge at the beginning of their senior year. We plan to host a grand celebration at that time, honoring them with a special graduation-type event.

By their senior year, we believe students will be mature enough to understand the harms of social media. If they choose to use it after that time, they will be able to do so while still living at home under the watchful eye of loving parents and other mentors. We also hope that many will continue to avoid social media even after this date.

Will you be launching this in other schools?

We hope so. The Digital Detox Challenge is our response to curb one of the worst epidemics to plague our youth in generations. With limited resources, we must start somewhere. We hope that other organizations will assist with funding and resources, enabling us to expand the programme to other schools and grade levels.

What is the Goode Education Foundation?

The Goode Education Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization sponsored by the Goode Motor Auto Group and its owners: Matt & Trista Cook, Brandon & Dixie Williams, and Pablo & Sasha Silvaz. The foundation's mission is to enhance all aspects of education, assisting students and teachers, and providing various learning opportunities.