The no-phone childhood movement

Study after study has detailed the stress and anxiety kids and teens deal with as a result of smartphone and social media use. But smartphones are ubiquitous. Half the kids in the U.S. own one by age 11, according to Common Sense. And most have smartphones by 13. An organization in the U.S. called "Wait Until 8th" is gaining traction. The group offers a playbook to communities of parents who want to sign pledges to hold off on getting their kids smartphones until at least eighth grade. 54 pledges were established in 16 states in April alone. Each pledge was signed by at least 10 families. It's hard to avoid buying preteens and teens smartphones when all of their classmates and neighborhood friends are getting and using them, but parents say acting collectively makes it far easier to say no.