Strength in Numbers
Worth Your Time!
Resource Recommendations to Help You Parent and Mentor Most Effectively
This week I'm sharing an idea that I’ve noticed recently in 3 different sources, all dealing with technology and "strength in numbers."
A Common Theme
Wait Until 8th “started several years ago to empower parents to say yes to waiting on the smartphone by signing the Wait Until 8th pledge.” Over 50,000 families have joined the movement to delay smartphone use until at least 8th grade.
Last December, the New York Times featured an article about the Luddite Club, a group of teenagers in New York City who gather in a library or park once a week to intentionally spend time not using their phones. Instead, they draw, read, journal, talk, meditate, listen to music, etc. Some have gotten rid of their smartphones, some still have them, and some have switched to flip phones.
Dr. Vivek Murthy, the Surgeon General of the United States, was interviewed in late September on the Rich Roll podcast. He and his wife, in their personal lives with their own kids, are committed to partnering with other parents who seek to delay social media use, create tech-free zones, etc. As he travels across the country, he’s also heard numerous stories of others who are doing the same.
What’s the common theme? None of them are doing it alone. Most youth fear missing out on what their friends are doing/posting/watching online; however, when their entire social group is not using a specific technology or platform, then the teens are not missing out. Parents also feel pressured to allow their teens to be online in ways that aren’t ultimately healthy for them, but that pressure is usually relieved when other parents in their teen’s social circle are making the same decisions. When everyone is on the same page, both teens and parents benefit! There is strength in numbers.
How To Use It
If you’re a parent, how could you partner with other parents in your teen’s social circle on this issue?
If you’re a parent, grandparent, or mentor, initiate a conversation with a preteen/teen about how they use their phone (if they have one) and how they feel about how they use it. Most teens know - and will often admit - that it’s a struggle. Encourage them to think about how they and their peers could address their struggles together.
If you’re interested in reading/hearing more…
Reread what I wrote in the 7/13/23 Worth Your Time email.
Find out more about Wait Until 8th by visiting their website or following them on social media.
Google “the luddite club new york city” for more information about them.
Listen to the September 25th Rich Roll podcast interview with Dr. Vivek Murthy here or on your favorite podcast player.