Cranford Families Use Toy Story 5 to Spark Conversation on Screen Time

CRANFORD, NJ — A sold-out screening of Toy Story 5 in Cranford is doing more than filling seats at a local theater. For many families, the event is becoming a focal point for conversations about screen time, childhood independence, and how to balance digital life with offline experiences.

The screening, hosted by the Cranford chapter of The Balance Project, is part of a broader effort by the organization to encourage families to rethink how much time children spend on devices and how that affects play, learning, and daily routines.

Organizers said the idea came together naturally after seeing the storyline of Toy Story 5, which centers in part on toys facing a modern digital device as a key element in the film’s conflict.

“When I saw the description of Toy Story 5, I immediately thought this was a great opportunity for the community,” said Christy Ney, co-lead of The Balance Project’s Cranford chapter, in an interview with Patch. “It gave us a way to talk about bringing life and tech into better harmony in a way that feels familiar and approachable for families.”

The Balance Project describes itself as a digital wellness initiative focused on helping families build healthier relationships with technology. The Cranford chapter launched in fall 2025 and has been working to connect with local parents through community-based events and discussions.

Ney said the screening was designed not just as a movie night, but as a shared experience for families to step away from devices and engage together.

“We hope families leave remembering what it feels like to disconnect for a few hours and just be present with each other,” she said in an interview with Patch. “A lot of what we hear from parents is that they are looking for support and practical ways to set boundaries around technology at home.”

According to organizers, common concerns raised by parents include classroom use of educational devices, the impact of screen time on attention and development, and uncertainty about where to turn for guidance on reducing overall device use.

Christy Ney said those conversations often come back to a desire for balance rather than elimination of technology altogether.

“It’s not about rejecting technology,” she said in an interview with Patch. “It’s about finding a way for kids to grow up with it in a healthier, more intentional way.”

The event, which quickly sold out, also reflects what organizers describe as growing interest in the broader topic of digital wellness among local families.

Holly Moscatiello, founder of The Balance Project, said in an interview with Patch that the goal is to give parents tools and community support rather than directives.

“This is about helping families feel empowered,” Moscatiello said. “We want kids to experience imagination, play, and connection in real life, alongside the technology that is already part of their world.”

Following the screening, organizers said families will be invited to take part in activities and receive resources focused on setting tech boundaries at home and encouraging more offline engagement during the summer.

While the event is centered around a well-known animated film, organizers say the goal is rooted in everyday parenting challenges that many families are currently navigating.

“We’re just trying to give parents a space to talk about it and think about it together,” Ney said in an interview with Patch. “No one has to figure this out alone.”