Families in Cobb County are joining forces and making a commitment to refrain from purchasing smartphones for their children until they reach 8th grade.
According to Channel 2’s Elizabeth Rawlins, parent Haley Eby Lowe stated that while age limits exist for various things, such as driving or purchasing alcohol, there seems to be a lack of age restrictions in the technology industry.
Parents in the metro Atlanta area are increasingly showing support for the “Wait until 8th” Campaign, which originated in Texas a few years ago. The petition has gained momentum on social media, and even the PTA Executive Committee at Timber Ridge Elementary School has joined the cause by signing it.
Kelly Hall, Co-President of Timber Ridge Elementary, remarked that no parent has ever expressed regret over giving their child a phone at an earlier age.
Parents in Cobb County are coming together to show their support for each other and, more importantly, the well-being of their children.
“As a parent, it’s always a relief to know that my child isn’t feeling pressured to keep up with the latest trends or material possessions of their peers. It takes a weight off my shoulders and allows me to focus on other aspects of parenting. Hearing my son say he isn’t concerned about competing with the ‘Joneses’ at school is music to my ears.”
At schools such as Timber Ridge and Mt. Bethel Elementary, parents are embracing the “Wait Until 8th” Campaign. This movement encourages parents to delay giving their children access to their own smartphone until they reach 8th grade. The trend is gaining popularity among parents who want to promote healthy screen habits and limit their child’s exposure to technology at a young age. By waiting until 8th grade, parents hope to provide their children with a more balanced childhood and prepare them for responsible technology use in the future.
As the famous proverb goes, raising a child takes a collective effort. Nowadays, numerous parents have come to terms with the fact that advocating and safeguarding their children is a task that cannot be accomplished single-handedly.
Titania Jordan, Chief Parenting Officer at Bark Technologies, revealed to Channel 2 Action News that children’s suicide is the second leading cause of death.
Although some parents are getting on board with the pledge early on, those who have already embraced technology can still opt to dial it back with the help of Bark phone’s advanced features.
