The goal is delay, not denial:
The point isn't to ban tech forever. It’s to delay entry until the brain is developed enough to handle the pressures of comparison, cyberbullying, and algorithmic manipulation.
What is The Pledge?
Thankfully NH has already passed this law but if you live in a state that hasn’t, advocate for change in your state here.
1. NO SMARTPHONE IN SCHOOL
2. NO SMARTPHONE TILL AT LEAST HIGH SCHOOL
The first generation of Americans who went through puberty with smartphones, social media (and the entire internet) in their hands became more anxious, depressed, self-harming, and suicidal than any previous generation.
The average teen spends 5 hours a day on social media alone.
Since 2010, depression among girls has soared by 145%, while self-harm has surged by 161%. This mental health crisis accelerated alongside the smartphone revolution.
Research shows that for girls, the link between social media use and mental illness is strongest between ages 11 and 13. For boys, the most sensitive window is slightly later, around 14–15. Waiting even two years can move a child past their most vulnerable developmental window.
Some countries are already making this a law.
3. NO SOCIAL MEDIA TILL AT LEAST 16
4. MORE INDEPENDENT PLAY IN THE REAL WORLD
We’ve replaced a play based childhood with a screen based one and this needs to change. Kids need more independent play and responsibility in the real world with other kids.
Click here to learn more about the importance of raising independent kids and to get started with free resources for parents and families.
Join our facebook group focused on encouraging more play and responsibility in the real world.
“I wish I'd realized that videos and games will always be available, but the chance to be a kid and bond with your siblings and childhood friends doesn’t last forever. We all eventually grow up”
-Tea, 19 (The Amazing Generation)
“All of my social anxiety went away within about two weeks of getting rid of my smartphone.”
-Sean, 22 (The Amazing Generation)
“Social media in particular made me feel awful. Seeing my friends’ pictures made me feel like I lived a boring life.”
-Matthew, 19 (The Amazing Generation)
“I feel good when I start scrolling, but when I stop, I feel grumpy, jealous, and lonely.”
-Glory, 14 (The Amazing Generation)
“I used to think that smartphones were a way for people to stay connected. I now think they are about 5 percent communication for pressing matters and 95 percent enablers of toxic emotions.”
-Calla, 22 (The Amazing Generation)
“You won’t remember the hours you spent scrolling, but you will remember the adventures, the deep conversations. and the times when you were fully present.”
-Sophia, 21 (The Amazing Generation)
“Every time I feel good about myself, I go over to Instagram, and then it all goes away.”
-Eva, 17 (The Amazing Generation)
“I would tell my younger self to get off social media apps and go make some memories.”
-Tariq, 18 (The Amazing Generation)
“I wish I had waited to get a smartphone. I wish I had stayed myself for a little longer.”
-Bristal, 15 (The Amazing Generation)
“I hugely regret all the times when I was hanging out with my friends and we just scrolled online together.”
-Sam, 17 (The Amazing Generation)