Moms lead effort to delay smartphones for kids
By Jazmon DeJarnette
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SALINAS, California (KSBW) — A national movement to delay smartphone use until age 16 is gaining traction on the Central Coast, led by two local mothers who launched Smartphone Free Kids Monterey Bay to address concerns about screen time and social media’s impact on children.
Children were seen laughing, playing, and enjoying a Saturday at Lover’s Point without screens in front of their faces.
“Cellphones, they steal all those things and from children and I see it every day, and it’s sad, “said Valine Moreno Barr, Smartphone Free Kids MB parent.
Caitlin Conrad and Lauren Heflin started the pledge with just two moms on a walk and have grown the initiative to include more than 200 families and 300 children who have taken the pledge.
The focus is on child development and the potential disruption of social skills by social media.
According to the World Health Organization, more than 1 in 10 adolescents show signs of problematic social media use.
“By delaying a smartphone, that’s a phone that’s capable of downloading social media apps, you just prevent that struggle which will come from having a device that’s able to do that,” said Lauren Heflin, co-founder of the Monterey Bay Pledge.
These parents emphasize they are not anti-phones.
Many opt for what they call a “dumb phone,” a basic device for calls, with some parents even making the switch themselves.
Families have found a sense of community built around play, connection, and less screen time.
One parent noted, “If we incorporate more books and if we incorporate more like active play, like what you see going on here. Children are human beings. They want that,” said Moreno Bar.
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