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A united choice to give our kids more childhood — and less pressure to grow up too fast.
A united choice to give our kids more childhood — and less pressure to grow up too fast.
We’ve all felt it: the moment kids get smartphones, everything changes. And not always for the better. Social pressures spike. Sleep drops. Eye contact fades. And somewhere along the way, childhood starts slipping through the cracks.
The Wait Until 9th pledge is a simple, powerful choice that families across Putnam County are making together:
Delay giving kids a smartphone until at least 9th grade.
It’s not about falling behind — it’s about giving kids time to grow up with confidence, creativity, and human connection before navigating the adult-sized world of social media and constant screens.
What the Research Shows:
What the Research Shows:
Rates of teen anxiety and depression have doubled since smartphones became common among middle schoolers.
Girls who spend 5+ hours a day on social media are 3x more likely to be depressed than those who spend less than an hour.
Teens who delay smartphone use have better sleep, stronger friendships, and higher self-esteem.
Even tech leaders like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs limited their own kids’ screen access. Why wouldn’t we?
Why This Pledge Works Best Together
Why This Pledge Works Best Together
The hardest part of saying “not yet” is feeling like you’re the only one.
That’s why this pledge matters most when we do it as a community.
When schools, families, churches, and neighborhoods all rally around the same goal, the pressure lifts — and kids feel supported, not singled out.
Together, we shift the norm.
We restore childhood — one choice at a time
Take the Pledge Here:
Take the Pledge Here:
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