Helpful resources.
Smartphone Alternatives & "Easing In"
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Tech Addiction Is Real: How to Cut Back on Screen Time and Wean Off Social Media
Step-by-step instructions on how to manage screen time limits, change notification settings, etc.
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Smartphone Alternatives recommended by Wait Until 8th
There are alternatives to smart phones that allow calls, texts, pictures, tracking. Wait Until 8th has compiled a list of options.
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Family Tech Contract
Bark has created a Family Tech Contract to help families create guardrails for their children. Online dialogue in the homes about what and how tech is being used is so important!
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Protect Young Eyes- Best Phones for Kids: The Ultimate Guide
Another resource to help make the best choice for what "not-so-smart" device is best for your child.
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Wait Until 8th "Digital Training" Guide
This page includes family conversation guides, best practices, parental controls, app safety, and more. A great read before bringing phones into the home.
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Better Screen Time
This website is a great resource for "easing in" and has a wonderful Family Tech Plan.
Organizations
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Wait Until 8th
By signing the online pledge, you promise not to give your child a smartphone until at least the end of 8th grade as long as at least 10 families total from your child’s grade and school pledge.
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Let Grow
"Let Grow believes today’s kids are smarter and stronger than our culture gives them credit for. We are making it easy, normal and legal to give kids the independence they need to grow into capable, confident, and happy adults. When we let go we… Let Grow."
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Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA)
A grassroots movement of parents working to protect children & teens, creating a world in which real-life experiences and interactions remain at the heart of a healthy childhood.
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Phone-Free Schools Movement
This organization provides resources for administrators, school boards and parents as to how to transition to phone free schools.
Books, Videos & Podcasts
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The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
THE INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A must-read for all parents: the generation-defining investigation into the collapse of youth mental health in the era of smartphones, social media, and big tech—and a plan for a healthier, freer childhood.
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What Age Should a Kid Get a Phone?
Tech Strong Parenting | Dr. Mike Fraser discusses parenting tips when kids are likely mature enough to handle the responsibility of having the internet on a device in their pocket at all times.