Over half of the ninth-grade girls at Beis Chana Lubavitch Educational Center (LEC) in Miami have pledged to live without smartphones or social media for the school year. The initiative is part of The Club, a grassroots program designed to help teens develop healthier digital habits and strengthen real-world friendships.

The Club first launched at LEC in May 2024, when the girls were in seventh grade. Since then, it has expanded to include over 100 middle school participants. With the continued partnership of both LEC and Beis Chana administration, the program is thriving, with students earning rewards and experiences that celebrate their commitment to staying present and connected in real life.

To celebrate the high school chapter’s launch, the ninth graders will take a snorkeling and boating trip to the Florida Keys on November 12. The day will include exploring the only living coral barrier reef in the United States, a short nature hike, and a beach picnic.

“The support from both LEC and Beis Chana’s administration is what makes this program work,” said Rivkah Bloom, the event organizer. “By setting aside time during the school day for these experiences, they’re sending a clear message that living without smartphones or social media is not a limitation—it’s a choice worth celebrating.”

Founded by South Florida mothers Rivkah Bloom and Esti Chazanow, The Club has since expanded beyond Miami, reaching schools in New York and beyond. At Beis Chana, this new high school chapter demonstrates that these girls aren’t stepping back from technology—they’re stepping forward into a stronger, more intentional way of living and connecting.