Our Mission is Simple.
"We create a productive learning environment by reducing distractions from digital devices, while also encouraging social interactions."
In classrooms across the country, cell phones are hijacking education. Distractions, social media, cyberbullying, and constant alerts have become the norm—pulling students away from learning, damaging mental health, and exhausting educators.
Off The Devices (OTD) was created by two friends who saw these problems not just in the headlines, but in their own lives and work. They built this tool because they couldn’t ignore the impact anymore.
Leading the Movement in New York State
In 2021, Dave Blanchard stood alongside Governor Kathy Hochul to announce a bold step toward reclaiming student focus: a district-wide cell phone ban. As the first in New York to implement such a policy, his success quickly gained attention.
Schools across the state and beyond have since followed his lead, validating what Dave already knew: When schools eliminate distractions, students thrive.
Off The Devices was born from this leadership and momentum. Dave didn’t just advocate for change, he proved it was possible.
Meet The Founders
David Blanchard
An experienced educational professional with 17 years of experience as a school administrator and 10 years as a school psychologist
Mike "Pudge" Murphy
A dedicated law enforcement officer with over 25 years of experience protecting communities from the dangers of illicit drugs and upholding public safety.
Our Story & Why We Do It.
OTD was developed by two friends, Dave and Mike. Dave and Mike are civil servants that share a common goal: to prevent addiction to cellular devices. Dave spent 10 years as a school psychologist and the last 17 years as a school administrator preparing students for the future. Mike has been a law enforcement officer for over 25 years fighting to protect communities from the dangers of illicit drugs. Dave and Mike both have children and have seen firsthand the dangers of addiction throughout their careers. Since 2021 Dave has been a leader in limiting cell phone use in school settings. He has developed a prudent policy, consulted NY State government officials and implemented a cell phone ban in his school district. Mike and Dave figured out an innovative way to teach students how to pause from cellular devices during the school day. Their hope is that through the OTD app they can change the culture of cell phone use by students and eventually, someday, students would have the knowledge and self-discipline to limit the use on their own. The OTD app gives school administrators a tool to assist and ensure students are off their phones. Our goal is to support schools in becoming distraction free throughout the entire school day.
Digital Technology is present everywhere you look. Teenagers and children spend most of their day on social media apps. During the times they are engrossed in their cellular phones, they are missing out on connections and experiences in the real world. Emotional and physical development is affected. They are on Tik Tok, Instagram and YouTube instead of having an in-person conversation with a friend or classmate. They may become a victim of cyberbullying or they may be exposed to harmful content through social media. Distractions from cellular device use during the school day results in lower quality notes, less retained information and lower test scores. When students are not allowed cellular phones during the classroom, they are more focused, they engage with classmates and teachers and test scores improve. OTD is an affordable, effective tool that limits distractions from cellular devices, enabling teachers and students to focus during the school day.
The OTD app is the modern solution to today’s smartphone obsession.