Smartphone Alternatives

Summary: When children need to communicate with family and friends, basic phones or smartwatches offer safer alternatives to smartphones. Since most smartphone-related problems stem from internet browser and app store access, parents should first identify the device's purpose—if only calling and texting are needed, a basic communication device is a worthwhile investment over handing down an old smartphone.

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Wait Until 8th is a nonprofit that empowers parents to delay giving children smartphones until at least the end of 8th grade through community-based pledges. With over 106,000 participating families, the organization helps reduce social pressure by requiring at least 10 families from the same school and grade to commit together, creating supportive networks of parents who prioritize protecting childhood from smartphone distractions and dangers.