Wait Until 8th Pledge
The Wait Until 8th pledge encourages parents to delay giving their children smartphones until at least the end of 8th grade. By signing the pledge, parents band together to reduce social pressure and protect children from the distractions and dangers of smartphones during elementary and middle school. The movement aims to preserve childhood activities, like outdoor play and family time, which are often overshadowed by smartphone use. The pledge becomes active once 10 families from the same school commit, fostering community support for healthier digital boundaries. Read more about the Wait Until 8th pledge here.
Blue Light Blackout Challenge
The Bluelight Blackout challenge encourages families to turn off all screens by 9 PM every night, promoting better sleep for children and teens. Adequate sleep is crucial for school-age kids as it supports their physical health, emotional well-being, and cognitive function, helping them stay focused and perform well in school. The initiative emphasizes the importance of reducing blue light exposure before bedtime, as it can interfere with the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, making it harder to fall asleep and get restful sleep. By turning off screens early, families can help their children develop healthier sleep habits, leading to improved overall well-being and academic success.
Healthy Connections
Healthy offline connections are vital for children’s mental and emotional well-being. Spending time outdoors, engaging in free play, and building relationships away from screens allow kids to explore, create, and connect on a deeper level. These activities foster creativity, resilience, and social skills, all of which are essential for a thriving, balanced life. Together with our community partners, the 5B Digital Wellness Network supports families by nurturing these connections, offering guidance and ideas to help create meaningful, screen-free experiences. Prioritizing offline activities is crucial for mental health, as it helps children build a strong foundation for personal growth and lasting happiness.
Phone Free Schools
Research, including that of Dr. Jonathan Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation shows that phone-free schools can significantly improve students' mental health, focus, and academic performance. Smartphones are a constant source of distraction, undermining attention in class and preventing meaningful social interactions. Dr. Haidt highlights how phones contribute to anxiety, depression, and loneliness, while also lowering academic outcomes. By removing phones, schools create environments more conducive to learning, social connection, and emotional well-being, allowing students to fully engage in their education and peer relationships. Read more here.