6 months Ago
Aim: Reduce Pressure and Protect Childhood
The movement's goal is to reduce the pressure on parents to provide smartphones to primary school-aged children. The organizers believe that postponing smartphone use leads to a happier, more carefree childhood. "When we give our children access to the whole world in their pockets, we give the whole world access to our children," they said.
Batist explained that while some schools have banned smartphones in classrooms, peer pressure continues outside school—particularly through group chats and social platforms. "Ultimately, it's the parents who decide, not the schools," she said. "Knowing that other parents are making the same choice gives them the strength to stick to it."
Debate Over Digital Access
Not everyone agrees with the initiative. Critics argue that children should learn to use technology responsibly instead of being denied access. However, Batist contends that such education can begin during the teenage years, when children are better able to handle digital responsibility.
"Children's brains aren't ready yet," she said. "Many apps are built with addictive features, and kids are very sensitive to that because they need stimulation but lack impulse control."
The pact continues to gain attention nationwide as more parents seek alternatives to early smartphone use and try to encourage a more balanced, connected, and less digitally-driven childhood.
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