In a world where teen life seems inseparable from smartphones and social media, over 120 middle school girls at Lubavitch Educational Center (LEC) in South Florida are proving otherwise. They’re members of The Club, a fast-growing, parent-led movement that’s making unplugged life not only doable, but desirable.
The Club was originally inspired by a program at Toras Chaim in Miami, a Chafetz Chaim school for boys that paired education with exciting ski trips to promote a phone-free lifestyle. That model sparked something bigger.
Mothers Esti Chazanow and Rivkah Bloom launched The Club in May 2024 at LEC, aiming to educate girls on the effects of smartphones while building a community where not having one is celebrated.
It begins with education. In their first session with 7th graders, Chazanow and Bloom, both tech-savvy mothers, led a conversation on the ups and downs of smartphones. Using real data, they explored the links between screen use and anxiety, sleep loss, and disconnection, and how unplugging can bring confidence and clarity.
Girls who join commit to a year without smartphones or social media. In return, they enjoy exclusive rewards and unforgettable trips, like a recent overnight in Boca packed with adventure, great food, and real connection.
Over 67% of the first 7th-grade class joined that year. The program has now expanded to the entire middle school and will continue into high school this coming year.
As one parent put it, “You can really see the difference. These girls are thriving, academically, socially, emotionally. Whether it’s Chidon learning or stepping up to leadership roles, I’m seeing the girls do so much more than what my older daughters were doing at this age, since they were so distracted by their phones. It’s created this beautiful energy around making healthy choices. It’s been a gift.”
Since its launch, The Club has quickly spread beyond LEC, with enthusiastic adoption in schools across the country and around the globe. Among the many new chapters are Bnos Menachem in Crown Heights, Prospect Park Yeshiva in Flatbush, and a new chapter in South Africa. Each school adapts the model to its community while preserving the heart of the program: education, incentives, and real connection.
As Mrs. Shevi Sossonko, Middle School Principal at LEC Girls shared, “The Club has empowered our girls to break free from the distractions and negative influences in the world. It has helped them build genuine friendships, be authentic, and embrace their true selves. The Club adds a sense of purity and holiness to their lives.”
The positive feedback from parents has been equally powerful. As Sara Schwartz shared, “Bracha came home on such a high! And she said that everybody really got the value of being in The Club… in every way!”
Noemi Bialo added, “Thank you for spearheading this amazing initiative! Our girls, the school, and the world at large are lucky to have you making a difference—one phone (or lack thereof) at a time!” Noemi was so inspired, she launched The Club for another grade level in the middle school.
As The Club continues to grow, Esti and Rivkah are happy to share their materials and tools with anyone ready to bring this model to their school or community.
To learn more, email [email protected].
As a mother of one of the 8th graders going into high school, it’s amazing to see the impact this no smartphone club has had on my daughter! She is continuing into high school! I’m so proud of her and all her friends
This is such an incredible initiative. I hope all schools follow!!
Bochurim in yeshivos need this more than anyone thinks
Wow wow wow. Is all I can say. Love this!
Love the concept but in LEC my daughter requires whatsapp if not she misses out on programs or class events. I would love for old fashion emails to be sent out but like she tells me in HS the girls are responsible for their own schedule.