Look Up: The Human Presence Pledge Initiative
See Each Other. Change Everything
Welcome to Look Up!
Where Young Eyes Meet, Communities Grow
As our inaugural post and formal introduction to this newsletter, thank you all who have agreed to become our first subscribers! As you know, it takes a village to raise a kid, and boy ‘o boy, aren’t we becoming the mighty villagers in tech space! Knowing this, we’re thrilled to launch the Look Up: The Human Presence Pledge Initiative campaign as our first post, and we invite you to join us on this journey to reclaim the art of genuine connection in a digital age. Our mission is to create K-5 school environments prioritizing human engagement over digital distraction, fostering real connections that help young elementary school learners thrive.
The Pledge
“Look Up” Time: A Daily Moment for Connection
As our first step, we ask parents, guardians, educators, and students to join us in a simple, powerful practice. Every day, we encourage families and school communities to take a shared moment to “Look Up” and put aside all screens and devices. During this time, we reconnect with those around us through eye contact, conversation, and being fully present. As our first step, we ask parents, guardians, educators, and students to join us in a simple, powerful practice. Every day, we encourage families and school communities to take a shared moment to "Look Up" and put aside all screens and devices. During this time, we reconnect with those around us through eye contact, conversation, and being fully present.
Picture this: A second-grade classroom just after lunch. Ms. Rodriguez says softly, "Time to look up, friends." Twenty-three little faces lift from their work, screens go dark, and suddenly, the room fills with something electric - a real human connection. Tommy catches Sarah's eye, and they share a silent giggle about the milk mustache she doesn't know she has. Jun, usually quiet behind his tablet, discovers he can make the whole table laugh by wiggling his ears.
At home, the Garcia family has made "Look Up" their dinner tradition. Phones rest in a basket by the door. Sofia, age 10, actually sees her dad's proud smile when she talks about mastering her math facts. Her little brother Miguel, for once, isn't rushing through dinner to get back to his games. Instead, he's teaching everyone the new handshake he learned at recess.
In Ms. Chen's fifth-grade class, "Look Up" happens every morning. Yesterday, she noticed Darnell spot Amira sitting alone, looking nervous on her first day. Their eyes met, Darnell waved her over, and just like that - connection happened. No apps needed.
Even the teachers' lounge is different. During their shared planning period, instead of everyone hunching over laptops, they actually look at each other while talking. Ms. Parker says her neck feels better, and Mr. James says his heart does, too.
Simple moments add up, and this pledge isn't about being perfect. Some days, the devices creep back in. That's okay. We just look up again. Because every time we do, something real happens. Something screens can't capture. Something that reminds us why we're here together in the first place.
Real eyes. Real smiles. Real connection. Sometimes, changing the world is as simple as looking up. We get to see each other, and in those moments, we get to ask the fundamental human question of, “Do you see me?'“
Why it Matters
Our digital age is full of distractions, and young children are growing up in a world where face-to-face connection often takes a back seat. Research shows that overuse of technology can affect children’s attention spans, empathy, and social engagement. By prioritizing presence through intentional screen-free moments, we create opportunities to strengthen our relationships and cultivate empathy, curiosity, and social growth.
Spotlight on the Pledge
How to Get Involved
When to “Look Up”: Choose a time every day that works for your family or classroom. It could be during breakfast, after school, or just before bedtime. Consistency is key!
What to Do: Put away all devices and spend 10-15 minutes engaged in screen-free activities. Make eye contact, listen to each other, share stories, or simply sit together in silence.
Sign the Pledge: Show your commitment to building a presence-rich community by signing the Look Up pledge. When you sign, you join a growing movement of families and educators dedicated to reclaiming meaningful moments.
Ideas for “Look Up” Time
Families: During mealtime, ask everyone to share one thing they’re grateful for or talk about something they experienced that day.
Classrooms: Encourage students to partner up and share a story, a favorite book, or something they created.
Students: Practice eye contact and really listening to the people around you, showing that you value their thoughts and experiences.
Why It’s Important for Students
In today’s tech-driven world, it’s easy for young learners to feel disconnected from those around them. The Look Up initiative aims to build strong foundations of empathy, self-awareness, and social skills that will serve them for a lifetime. It’s not just about putting screens down—it’s about looking up to see and be seen, creating real moments of connection that shape who we are and how we relate to others.
Tips for Parents and Guardians
Lead by Example: Your children notice what you do more than what you say. Show them the value of presence by being fully present during your “Look Up” moments.
Create Tech-Free Zones: Establish device-free times and spaces in your home, like at the dinner table or during family game nights.
Share Your Stories: Let us know how your family is participating in Look Up by sharing your experiences and successes!
Educators’ Corner
Presence Pioneers in Action
Teachers are crucial to creating environments that nurture authentic human connection. We encourage educators to weave “Look Up” moments into their daily classroom routines, creating spaces where students can practice presence with their peers and learn the value of eye contact, listening, and sharing.
Activities to Try
Morning Circle: Begin the day with a screen-free moment of connection, allowing students to share their feelings, experiences, or ideas.
Mindful Moments: Introduce short mindfulness practices, like focusing on breathing or doing a guided visualization to help students reconnect with themselves and their surroundings.
Join Us! Sign the Pledge Today
Take the first step by signing the pledge and committing to daily “Look Up” moments. Let’s work together to foster communities where real connections are at the heart of learning and growth.
For more resources and to sign the pledge, visit at mindfulbytes.io for more information. Also, follow us on social media for stories, tips, and updates! #LookUpInitiative
About the Author: Michael Davis is the current CEO and Founder of Merek Security Solutions (Merek.io), a data privacy and cybersecurity firm focused on cognitive behavior relative to mindfulness, self-awareness, and cyberpsychological research. A 22-year United States Navy veteran, Michael has worked in the Cybersecurity and Information Security field with IBM, Boeing, and the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) before starting his technology and mindfulness company in Santa Fe, NM. His work has been featured in Forbes, Newsweek, and countless articles written about his research in technology, cybersecurity best practices, and cyberpsychology research and development. Michael is also the current Executive Director of Santa Fe, New Mexico’s Cybersecurity and Cyberpsychology Research Center (CCCR), a non-profit wing of his Merek Security Solutions firm, focusing entirely on cyber ethics and cyberpsychological research and development within the K-5 educational space.
