No, we’re pro-childhood.

This movement isn’t about rejecting technology. We value tech deeply when it’s used at the right time and in the right way. What we believe is that children don’t need constant, unlimited smartphone access from a young age. They benefit more from developing digital skills in structured, intentional ways. This is about balance, and pausing, not banning, giving kids time to grow before they’re always connected.

A: Yes, but delaying is easier when we do it together.

Of course every family should decide what’s right for them. The problem is that many parents who want to delay feel pressured to give in because “everyone else already has one.” The Parent Pact exists to make that decision easier. By coordinating as a community, families can support one another and shift the norm, so choosing to wait isn’t the lonely option.

Yes, as long as it doesn’t have social media.

The pledge focuses on delaying access to smartphones and social media apps until at least the end of 8th grade. A smartwatch without app access is a great alternative to stay connected while reducing risks.

Do keep in mind that smartwatches can still be distracting, especially at school, and some models allow access to inappropriate content. You can turn off notifications during school hours and disable app downloads to minimize risks. If you’re considering an Apple Watch or similar, check out Protect Young Eyes’ guide for advice on how to configure it safely.

A basic phone is enough.

We understand wanting to stay connected. A simple phone that calls and texts lets you do that, without exposing your child to the risks of smartphones.

In fact, smartphones can introduce new dangers: thefts targeting kids have risen sharply, and distractions from screens have contributed to accidents near roads. A basic phone keeps communication simple, and your child safer.

Try an AirTag or simple GPS tracker.

If location tracking gives you peace of mind, Bluetooth trackers, GPS devices, or smartwatches with location features are good alternatives. They’re usually cheaper, less attractive to thieves, and don’t expose your child to social media or addictive apps.

It’s also worth reflecting on how much tracking is necessary. GPS shows where your child is, but it can’t protect them from real-world risks and may even delay independence. Teaching safety skills and combining them with simple communication tools often does more to keep kids safe and confident.

No, their friendships will be built on real connection.

Peer pressure is real, but many children starting secondary school with a basic phone find that their friendships remain grounded in face-to-face connection instead of online likes and status. They can still communicate through calls and texts — and those deeper, in-person moments strengthen relationships.

Doing this as a group makes it easier. The Parent Pact helps ensure kids aren’t the only ones waiting, and once about 25% of a group delays, social norms begin to shift. Together, we’re building a culture that prioritizes real connection.

Policies don’t always work in practice. Many schools say they ban phones, but in reality, kids still bring them — they’re just not supposed to use them. If adults struggle to ignore their phones, expecting kids to is unrealistic. Teachers become phone police, and students sneak screen time in bathrooms. A truly smartphone-free school means phones are left at home, locked away, or stored securely during the day. That gives kids six uninterrupted hours to focus, learn, and connect face-to-face without distraction.

Set new family rules and explain the “why.”

This is common. Parenting decisions evolve as we learn more. Past choices don’t have to lock us into future ones. Instead of framing it as “fairness,” talk openly about why you’re making a different choice now.

Involve your older child too — they’ve likely seen the downsides of early phone use and may agree that waiting is better. Setting family-wide tech rules (like phone-free zones or screen time limits) helps create consistency, and a clear family tech plan sets expectations for younger kids. If your teen already has a phone, The Healthy Selfie by Dr. Susie Davies is a great guide to healthier habits.

Tech literacy doesn’t come from scrolling.

Being tech-savvy isn’t about time spent on TikTok, it’s about understanding how technology works and how to use it productively. Kids can build digital skills through schoolwork, coding classes, creative tools, and guided use on shared devices. The best preparation for the digital world is teaching them to think critically about technology, not giving them unlimited access to it.

Education matters — but access is a separate question.

We teach kids about driving or safe sex long before they do those things independently. The same principle applies here. We can and should teach children about technology — but that doesn’t mean handing them a smartphone early.

The truth is, children’s brains aren’t wired to resist the pull of these devices — even most adults struggle. Instead of giving them a portal to the entire online world in their pocket, starting with a simple phone lets them learn step by step.

Any internet-enabled device needs boundaries. This isn’t just about smartphones, though they’re our focus because they’re the main gateway to social media and online risks — and they’re always within reach. Other devices like laptops, tablets, or gaming consoles are usually used more intentionally, but they carry similar risks: addictive features, toxic content, and overuse. They still require boundaries, supervision, parental controls, and ongoing conversations about healthy habits.

A smartphone is far more intrusive in a child’s daily life.

Some parents wonder if allowing an iPad is really different from giving a smartphone.

The difference is huge. A smartphone is essentially a mini-computer in your child’s pocket, available 24/7, everywhere they go. An iPad, on the other hand, is typically used at home or during travel and isn’t carried around constantly. That difference in accessibility and frequency of use matters — and it’s a big part of why smartphones pose greater risks.