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Bridgeport youth program aims to address mental health crisis 'fueled by smartphones'

Summerfield United Methodist Church in Bridgeport is hosting a program called Youth With a Purpose to disconnect youth from their phones.

Frank Recchia

Jan 11, 2026, 1:25 PM

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Summerfield United Methodist Church in Bridgeport is hosting a program called Youth With a Purpose.

"We're holding a 10-day workshop as part of the program that encourages kids to disconnect from their devices, and to reconnect with the important people in their lives," said Rev. Dr. Herron Gaston. "Their over-reliance on digital devices has led to a spike in depression and anxiety among our young people."

The free workshop teaches kids to identify the most important people in their lives and ways to reconnect with them in face-to-face interactions, Gaston said.

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