Individual Action Checklist
Appropriate Technology Use in Schools: Smart Phones
Take the Wait Until 8th Pledge
Wait Until 8th is a national organization that encourages and empowers families to delay giving smart devices until at least the end of 8th grade. Experts agree that the recommended age of 16 or beyond. By signing the online pledge you agree not to give your child a smartphone until at least the end of 8th grade. Once 10 families from your child's grade have pledged to delay the smartphone, you will receive a list of families (along with parent emails) and your grade will be "active". Pressure for a smart phone typically begins around 4th grade. Joining forces with other families in your school by committing to delay the smartphone dramatically reduces that pressure. After signing your pledge, please: Encourage other families in your school and grade to take the pledge Ask your principal and PTO to share Wait Until 8th info in their communications Connect with other Boise families who have taken the pledge on our Facebook group
Become A Wait Until 8th Advocate for Your School
Please see our Wait Until 8th Toolkit on our "Helpful Links" page to help you find other families in your school wanting to make this pledge to delay smartphones for their kids. It includes a printable flyer, strategy tips and parent/student educational handouts. We can do this!
Advocate in your school for a "bell-to-bell no cell phone" policy (entire school day)
Start a Letter of Support asking your school administrators for a "bell-to-bell no cell phone" policy (no phone use during the entire school day). Gather signatures from other families, teachers and students that support this policy. School administrators need support from families and teachers to make this change. Please help them by raising awareness in your school. (See our Phone-Free Toolkit in our "Helpful Links" page to learn more)