The National average age a child gets a smartphone is 10 years old. The smartphone pressure begins to intensify around 4th grade.

We recommend waiting until at least age 16 to give your child a smartphone or access to social media.

Many child development experts, internet safety leaders, and even technology executives recommend delaying the introduction of smartphones until children are older. Here at Untethered Childhood, we believe that waiting until at least age 16 is a sensible and achievable goal with the support of our community. This delay helps safeguard the crucial developmental years from the distractions and potential risks associated with smartphone use. This approach not only protects our children but also gives them the opportunity to develop social, academic, and personal skills free from the constant pull of digital devices. Plus, if you prefer to extend this period, that choice is always open to further support your child's well-being.

If you need to maintain communication with your child but want to avoid the pitfalls of a smartphone, consider simpler alternatives like a basic phone or a two-way calling watch. These devices provide essential communication functions without the excess distractions and risks associated with smartphones. Signing the Untethered Childhood pledge doesn't restrict the use of these basic devices, as our focus is specifically on smartphones. You can explore our recommended options for basic phones here to find a suitable choice that keeps you connected with your child while still supporting their development away from smartphone influences.

Yes, you can still sign the Untethered Childhood pledge if you choose to provide your child with a smartwatch. However, it's important to use these devices cautiously. While the pledge specifically addresses smartphones, smartwatches can also be distracting, particularly in school settings, and may offer access to some inappropriate content. We recommend disabling notifications during school hours and restricting the ability to download apps to minimize distractions and ensure safety. If you are considering an Apple Watch for your child, please consult this helpful guide from Protect Young Eyes for detailed advice on setting up the device responsibly.

A smartphone offers extensive features, including internet browsing and access to an App Store, making it a powerful, multifunctional device. In contrast, a basic phone is designed primarily for essential communication, such as making and receiving calls and sending text messages. At Untethered Childhood, we encourage delaying the introduction of smartphones until at least age 16 to help protect children from their potential distractions and risks. If you prefer your child to have a device for basic communication, signing the pledge is still an option. A basic phone can provide connectivity without the complexities and hazards associated with smartphones. Explore our recommended list of basic phones here to find one that suits your needs.

Our pledge aims to empower the families of Lyons to come together and agree to delay introducing smartphones until the age of 16. By uniting as a community, we reduce the peer pressure on children and teenagers to own a smartphone early.

When you sign the online pledge, you commit to not providing your child with a smartphone until they are 16. Once we have meaningful adoption in your child’s grade (approx. 10 families), all participating families will be notified.

Rest assured, your personal information will remain confidential within our organization. We will only contact you to provide updates on the pledge’s status. The details you provide will not be publicly disclosed on our website.

Help spread the word! The bigger the community commitment, the more likely we will succeed in avoiding the peer pressure of owning a smartphone and joining social media for our kids.

Once we have meaningful adoption in a grade level (approximately 10 families), Untethered Childhood will send a group email to the families who have signed. This will help you support one another on waiting.

Some parents in the Lyons community might wonder if there's a significant difference between allowing their child to use a smartphone versus an iPad. Indeed, there is a notable distinction. Unlike a smartphone, which is portable and can be carried around all day like a mini-computer in a pocket, iPads are generally used at home or during travel. This makes iPads less likely to be a constant presence in your child’s daily activities outside the home, thereby reducing the risks associated with continuous access and use.

We still recommend close parental oversight on what Apps get downloaded, and prohibiting social media though.

It's never too late to join the Untethered Childhood movement, even if your child already has a smartphone. We understand that parenting decisions can evolve, and it's okay to reassess and change course. You can explain to your child that many families in Lyons are choosing to delay smartphone use until the age of 16, emphasizing the benefits of this decision within our community. If eliminating the smartphone altogether seems too abrupt, consider transitioning to a basic phone that only enables calling and texting, or removing all Apps from the phone as a first step. This switch can significantly reduce the risks associated with constant smartphone use and still keep your child connected when necessary. Joining this movement can be a positive step towards aligning with community standards and protecting your child's development.

If your child has siblings who received a phone at an earlier age, you can explain that each child and situation is unique. Circumstances, including changes in community norms, influence parental decisions over time. Let your child know that after careful consideration, you've decided it's best for them to wait until they're older before getting a smartphone. Reassure them that many of their peers are also waiting, ensuring they won't feel isolated or left out without a smartphone.

One effective approach is to set up a shared family iPad with limited functionality. The iPad, kept in common areas like the kitchen and family room, would be equipped only with iMessage and FaceTime—no App Store, games, or internet browser. This allows kids to stay in touch with their friends in a controlled environment, providing a gradual introduction to digital communication without the constant access a smartphone provides. Additionally, if you're looking for an even simpler solution, consider installing a landline or providing a basic phone that only supports calls and texts. This can facilitate communication without the complexities and distractions of a smartphone.

Congratulations on reaching this milestone! First, assess whether there's truly a need for a smartphone. After making it all the way to 16, many families find that their child might not really need a smartphone or may not be ready for the responsibilities it entails.

If you decide that it’s the right time for a smartphone, it's crucial to approach its use with caution. Begin by having detailed discussions about responsible and moderate smartphone usage. Our digital literacy page offers valuable resources, including guides for family conversations to help navigate this new territory. Start with a simplified version of the smartphone: disable the ability to download apps and remove access to the internet browser. We recommend delaying social media access until at leas age 16, but also would not introduce it right away when giving your child access to their first smartphone. Wait Until 8th has some great tips here.