The Power of the Landline: Connecting Beyond Screens

B.T.G.S. Daily spotlights a unique community effort in South Portland, Maine, where parents are bringing back landline phones for their children to encourage meaningful, distraction-free conversations and build communication skills beyond the pressures of smartphones and social media. Led by mental health professional Caron Morse, families have formed “landline pods” to foster independence and genuine connection among kids. Reporter Kathleen Masciana shares her personal use of a landline phone during screen-free weekends to intentionally connect with friends through lengthy conversations. By setting aside digital devices, she embraces the simplicity and authenticity that a traditional landline provides, allowing uninterrupted time to really build stronger, more thoughtful connections. This experience mirrors the benefits highlighted by families involved in the initiative and underscores the value of mindful communication in an increasingly digital world. For resources and further information, visit https://landlinekids.org . Full story available at https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/life/south-portland-maine-landline-phone-pod-landline-kids/97-056b81e8-3133-4fee-8381-25da698391b8 .