Collin Kartchner, a Utah-based social media activist who founded the Save the Kids movement, died unexpectedly on October 20, 2020, at the age of 40. His wife, Elizabeth, confirmed his death in an Instagram post and said his cause of death was still unknown at that time.
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Who Was Collin Kartchner?
Collin Kartchner was a former sales executive who became a prominent social media activist in 2018. He started a nationwide campaign called #SavetheKids, which aimed to raise awareness of the negative effects of social media and screen addiction on children’s mental and emotional health. He also encouraged parents to reconnect with their kids and help them live a beautiful life.
Kartchner used his Instagram account, which had over 224,000 followers, to share his message and stories of teens and families who struggled with social media issues. He also traveled across the country and spoke to more than 500,000 youths and adults in schools, churches, and community events. He gave a TED talk in Salt Lake City in 2018, where he challenged the big tech companies that were “deliberately exploiting and manipulating our kids, all for insane profit.”
Kartchner was also known for his humor and kindness. He used his platform to raise money for various causes, such as helping families pay for medical bills, donating to schools and charities, and putting up billboards with positive messages. He was described by many as a “warrior for our children” and a “force for good.”
What Happened to Collin Kartchner?
According to his wife’s Instagram post, Kartchner “peacefully passed away unexpectedly due to natural causes in his beautiful body that we are unclear of yet.” She did not specify any details about his death, but asked for prayers and privacy for their family. They have four children together.
A GoFundMe page was set up to help the family with funeral expenses and other needs. The page stated that Kartchner was an entrepreneur who worked hard to provide for his family and to save the kids from social media’s potential destruction. It also said that he did not have life insurance because he was “too busy fighting Snapchat (the devil) and TikTok (the big and spacious building).”
The news of Kartchner’s death shocked and saddened many people who knew him or followed his work. Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes tweeted that he was “devastated” by the loss of his friend and partner in fighting for kids. He also praised Kartchner’s legacy and impact on the world.
Many others also expressed their condolences and gratitude for Kartchner’s influence on their lives. Some shared how he helped them overcome their social media addiction, depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts. Others said he inspired them to be more present with their families, friends, and communities.
What Is the Save the Kids Movement?
The Save the Kids movement is Kartchner’s initiative to educate people about the dangers of social media and screen addiction on children’s well-being. He started the movement in 2018 after hearing about the death of a young girl named Whitney, who overdosed on drugs after being bullied on social media as a child.
Kartchner shared Whitney’s story on his Instagram account and said that this was a “much bigger issue than I ever imagined.” He then launched the #SavetheKids campaign and began spreading his message through social media posts, videos, podcasts, merchandise, and live events.
The main goals of the Save the Kids movement are:
- To expose the harmful effects of social media on kids’ self-esteem, mental health, body image, relationships, and academic performance.
- To empower parents to protect their kids from social media predators, cyberbullies, pornography, sexting, and other online dangers.
- To encourage kids to use social media for good, such as spreading kindness, positivity, and hope.
- To inspire kids to disconnect from their screens and reconnect with their real lives.
The Save the Kids movement has received support from many celebrities, influencers, experts, educators, and organizations. Some of them include actor Will Smith, singer Alicia Keys, author Rachel Hollis, psychologist Dr. Susan David, educator John Bytheway, and nonprofit Fight the New Drug.
The Save the Kids website offers resources for parents and kids who want to learn more about the movement or join the cause. The website also features stories of people who have been impacted by Kartchner’s message or have made positive changes in their lives because of it.
How Can We Honor Collin Kartchner’s Memory?
Collin Kartchner’s death is a tragic loss for his family, friends, followers, and everyone who cares about saving the kids from social media’s harm. However, his memory and mission can live on through us if we follow his example and advice.
Here are some ways we can honor Collin Kartchner’s memory and continue his legacy:
- Follow his motto: “Delete, block, unfollow anything that makes you feel less than.”
- Limit your screen time and social media use. Set boundaries and rules for yourself and your kids.
- Be mindful of how you use social media. Use it for good, not for comparison, validation, or escape.
- Be kind to yourself and others. Don’t judge, criticize, or shame anyone based on their appearance, choices, or opinions.
- Be present with your loved ones. Spend quality time with them, listen to them, and show them you care.
- Be a force for good in the world. Do something that makes a difference, big or small. Help someone in need, volunteer for a cause, or donate to a charity.
- Be grateful for your life and everything in it. Appreciate the simple joys and blessings that surround you every day.
Collin Kartchner was a man who dedicated his life to saving the kids and saving the parents from the dangers of social media. He touched countless lives with his message of hope, love, and happiness. He left us too soon, but he left us with a legacy that we can carry on. Let’s honor his memory by living the beautiful life he wanted us to live.
