Please consider joining the Wait Until 8th Pledge, a parent-led initiative encouraging families to wait until at least the end of 8th grade before giving their children a smartphone—and to make that commitment together.

Many children today receive smartphones as early as 4th or 5th grade. While every family has different circumstances and needs, some families feel that waiting a little longer can give children more time to grow, play, develop face-to-face relationships, and build healthy technology habits without the added pressures and distractions that can come with smartphone use.

One of the most meaningful aspects of the Wait Until 8th initiative is its emphasis on community. The pledge becomes active when 10 or more families in the same grade at a school participate. This allows families to support one another and can help reduce the feeling that a child is being left out simply because their family has chosen to wait.

Families across the country have already joined the movement. We invite CRES families to learn more, consider whether the pledge is right for your family, and, if you choose, add your name.

Childhood is too short to waste on a smartphone.

Click HERE to take the pledge today