Flip Phones, Stronger Minds | Oakland News

Oakland News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 11, 2026 · 1m

A high school softball team in Del Oro swapped smartphones for flip phones for a month, sparking a surprising mental health transformation. Led by one player’s mom, the digital detox helped teens like Addy Christensen reconnect with their emotions and reduce impulsive phone use. Brain scans revealed early withdrawal signs but later showed improvements in decision-making and memory. A year later, players report lasting gains: better emotional regulation, confidence, posture, and communication. Jennifer and Addy are now advocates, urging others to embrace mindful tech habits—even if the…