In a recent community meeting, a group of parents from Summit, New Jersey, shared their concerns about the impact of smartphones and social media on children’s mental health. Highlighting the idyllic nature of their town, they expressed a desire to protect their children from becoming statistics in the growing epidemic of digital distractions.

The parents, whose children range from ages 2 to 10, noted a troubling trend: many families are gifting smartphones to their kids as graduation presents from fifth grade. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, they sought to take proactive measures rather than waiting to see how the issue would unfold.

Inspired by the national organization Wait Until 8th, which encourages parents to delay giving their children internet-enabled smartphones until the end of eighth grade, the group initiated a grassroots movement in Summit. They began by organizing discussions over coffee and lunch, ultimately rallying support from other parents to sign a pledge committing to this delay.

Since launching their campaign, the Summit parents have successfully garnered 380 active pledges, reflecting a strong community response. They reported that many parents expressed relief and gratitude for the initiative, feeling empowered to take collective action against the pressures of early smartphone use.

The movement has gained significant traction, attracting attention from the national Wait Until 8th organization and even the New York Times, which reached out to feature the local efforts in a broader story. The group organized a summer event that drew over 100 attendees, including the founder of Wait Until 8th and a licensed psychotherapist, further solidifying community engagement.

Despite their success, the parents acknowledged challenges in extending their reach beyond their immediate networks to engage the wider Summit community. They are now seeking strategies to broaden their impact and continue advocating for the mental well-being of children in their town.