By now, most parents have read about the growing body of evidence that early smartphone use by children has profound and negative consequences for their learning and emotional health.

We believe that by working together, we can build a different digital culture for our kids. Here are five recommendations that we ask schools and parent communities to consider and enforce:

THE DIGITAL PLEDGE

  1. No phones of any kind before 6th grade. 

  2. No smartphones before High School.

  3. No social media on any device before 10th grade.

  4. No group texting/chatting with classmates on any device until 8th grade.

  5. A family digital agreement governing screen time and digital device use at home.