Could you hold off on giving your child a smartphone until they reach the eighth grade?
For parents whose kids already have smartphones, the challenges can be overwhelming. Monitoring screen time, managing app usage, and keeping track of the device itself become daily tasks. While it’s important for our children to be reachable, that doesn’t necessarily require a smartphone with internet access; a basic phone for calls and texts might suffice.
This is the rationale behind the “Wait Until 8th” initiative, which encourages parents to delay giving their children smartphones until at least eighth grade. The organization advocates for collective action among families, arguing that a united front can help alleviate the pressure felt by both kids and parents regarding smartphone ownership. As Emily Carter, a representative of Wait Until 8th, explained to Parenting Today, their goal is to foster a community that supports parents in this decision.
Why Wait?
For starters, smartphones can be incredibly addictive. Recent studies reveal that the dependency on smartphones can trigger brain responses akin to those experienced with alcohol or drug addiction. Furthermore, research indicates that children with smartphones may experience declines in academic performance and disrupted sleep patterns. It becomes increasingly challenging for them to disconnect when their devices are always within reach—just like many adults struggle with the same issue.
Social interactions are also significantly impacted. It’s common to see groups of teens at restaurants or social gatherings engrossed in their devices rather than engaging with one another. This trend not only hampers their social skills but also heightens their vulnerability to cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate content.
The pressure to provide technology to our children at younger ages is palpable. When I gave my son a smartphone at 12, I later realized—much to my regret—that he felt like “one of the last kids” to receive one. Many of his friends without phones would simply borrow others’ devices to access social media apps. Additionally, several middle schools are issuing iPads to students as early as sixth grade, often allowing them to download non-academic apps despite guidelines.
The Pledge
By signing the “Wait Until 8th” pledge, parents commit to refraining from giving their children smartphones until at least eighth grade, provided that at least ten other families from their child’s grade and school also pledge. This collaborative effort can alleviate some of the pressure parents and kids face. Some might argue, “Why wait for ten families? If I don’t want my child to have a smartphone, they won’t get one.” While this is true, knowing that others are making the same choice can be supportive.
To date, more than 1,300 families across 42 states and over 400 schools have signed the pledge in just a few months. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive:
“Wait Until 8th has been a wonderful resource for parents. My son has witnessed his friends face issues on social media since fourth grade. It’s been invaluable for him to understand that he doesn’t need to conform and that waiting is a viable option. Now, he’ll have friends who are also waiting for a phone!”—A Parent Supporting the Pledge
“Schools truly need the Wait Until 8th initiative! Smartphones are a major distraction and have no place in the learning environment. Let’s refocus on education!”—A Supportive Educator
“We want every parent at our school to know about the Wait Until 8th pledge.” —An Elementary School Principal
Conclusion
Whether or not you choose to take the pledge, delaying smartphone access for as long as possible seems like a wise decision. After all, childhood is fleeting.
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Summary
Taking the “Wait Until 8th” pledge encourages parents to refrain from giving their children smartphones until they reach eighth grade, fostering a supportive community to combat the pressures of early technology access. With growing concerns about addiction, social interactions, and academic performance, the initiative offers a thoughtful approach to parenting in the digital age.