Lila enjoyed making new friends and playing games with them, but lately Lila’s new friend followed her everywhere. His name was the Phone Monster. The Phone Monster liked it when Lila played only with him. When she tried to draw or talk to friends, he buzzed and blinked to remind her he was there.

    The Phone Monster was built in tall, shiny buildings by people who wanted children to look at screens for hours and hours. They gave him blinking yellow eyes, a buzzing mouth, glowing hands and body that flashed different colors. They designed him to be hard to ignore because the more kids looked at him, the more money the people in the tall buildings made.

    Lila first met the Phone Monster when her parents gave her a phone so she could call them after school. Lila's parents worked long hours to pay for their apartment, so sometimes they were very tired and busy. They felt bad when they didn't have time to play with Lila, so one evening her dad gave her the phone. Lila was happy.

Play with the phone. It will keep you safe and happy while we finish our chores.

    At first the glowing screen seemed exciting and helpful. The Phone Monster showed colorful games, funny videos on social media, and bright messages from friends. Every time it buzzed, Lila felt curious and excited.

    The more Lila looked at the glow, the more her life began to feel gray. Every time Lila wanted to do something else, the Phone Monster shouted, “Don’t leave me!" 

    Lila felt scared that if she didn't listen, the bright colors would go away forever.

Aaaahhhh

Don't leave me!

    Lila had a best friend, Sam. They used to play every day in the park. Lila and Sam were the fastest racers in the city, but they had not raced to the big tree in a very long time because the Phone Monster wanted only her to play with him. She missed laughing, running, and playing together wiht Sam.

    Sam had a phone too, but he was not friends with the Phone Monster. His parents had made a rule at home. Sam could only use his phone for 30 minutes a day and never during playtime. Sometimes Sam didn’t like the rule. When other kids were on their phones, he felt left out.

    “Why can’t I play longer?” he once asked.

    His parents explained, “We want you to have time for real games, fresh air, and your imagination.”

    Sam didn’t always understand, but he noticed something. When he played outside, he felt happier, stronger, and full of energy.

    Lila was excited to go and play with Sam. She grabbed her backpack, but the Phone Monster quietly jumped right into her pocket. As they walked to the park the Phone Monster buzzed. For the rest of the walk Lila didn’t look at the trees or birds or talk with Sam as she usually did. She only looked at the Phone Monster. Sam glanced at her, confused.

Lila! The weather is perfect for running a race!

    On Saturday, the sun was shining. Sam knocked loudly on Lila's door.

Just a second. I need to check my phone first

Lila, catch me if you can!

As soon as they arrived at the park, Sam run away.

I’m almost done.

Sam waited and kicked grass with his shoe.

You said that five minutes ago.

But the phone buzzed again and again.

Why did you come to the park if you only wanted to look at that box?

    Sam finally walked away to play with other kids. Lila stayed alone. For the first time, the glowing screen didn’t feel fun. Lila felt lonely.

    Lila imagined the Phone Monster floating above the playground. It was huge now and Every time a child looked at the screen, the Monster grew bigger.

    That evening at dinner, Lila noticed something strange at home. Her parents were looking at their phones. Nobody was talking. The room felt quiet and lonely. Lila felt scared and sad. She missed when her family told stories and laughed during dinner.

During recess Lila met Sam under a tree.

I miss playing with you.

I miss it too...Do you think the Phone Monster is making this happen to everyone?

    Sam looked around the playground. Many kids were still staring at their screens

.   “I think lots of kids feel the same way,” he said.

But the students were staring at phones hidden inside their desks. 

Class, please look at the board.

In the classroom, Ms. Miller, the teacher, looked sad.

After class, Lila and Sam started asking other kids questions.  

It follows us everywhere.

I feel scared that we will never play again.

We are so small, but the Phone Monster is huge.

Maybe we are small alone, but together, we are stronger.

    Everyone went to class. 

    “Is everything alright?” Ms. Miller asked. “You all look so sad and tired.”

    One classmate started crying. Another just looked sad. 

    “We need to talk about the Phone Monster,” the kids said all together.

    "Yes! I have been waiting for someone to ask! We need to talk about this as a group," Ms Miller said. 

    Then Ms Miller smiled.

This is something that we can solve only by working together!

    Soon  Ms. Miller and the other teachers at the school held a meeting. All the parents, students and teachers were invited to talk about how their phones made them feel.

    “I feel mad when I cannot stop playing,” one boy said. 

    “I cannot focus in class,” another girl added. 

    A mom raised her hand. “I gave my child the phone because I am so tired after work,” she said quietly. “I feel bad about it. But I don’t know what else to do.” 

    A teacher nodded slowly. “I check my own phone too much,” he admitted. 

    Parents looked worried. Teachers nodded. Everyone realized they were not alone.