Many Westporters have seen yard signs that say “OK to Delay.”
They’re the work of a group advocating to push back the age at which children begin using cellphones and social media. Organizers say:
We recognize that there may be some confusion among some community members about our mission.
“Our goal is to unite parents who share a growing concern about the effects of early and excessive use of smartphones and social media. We’re dedicated to building a community of informed parents who are choosing to delay giving their kids smartphones, and to push back against the troubling trends we’re seeing in teen mental health. We believe that phone-free schools are an important piece of this puzzle.
“Our mission is rooted in community, and we feel lucky to live in a town filled with dedicated parents and educators. We welcome respectful conversations, and we aim to be approachable and inclusive.
“This is a non-shaming movement. We welcome families at all stages of technology use. It’s about learning how to delay and, eventually, how to help our kids use technology with healthy boundaries in the world we live in today.
“We don’t expect perfection in how we carry out this mission, or in our kids. But we do believe that, as adults, we have a responsibility to protect our children from the mental health impacts of smartphones and social media.
“To learn more, plese join us at any of our meetings or events, email us at oktodelay@gmail.com, or follow us on Instagram at @OKtoDelayWestport.”
OK to Delay is sponsoring an “Alternative Device Fair” this afternoon (Thursday, May 8, 2 to 6 p.m., Westport Library). A variety of non-smartphone brands — with the basic functionality of cellphones, but with fewer distractions — will show their products.
Dumber smartphones on display at today’s Ok to Delay “Alternative Device Fair.”
As a mother whose son became direly addicted to his phone (and is now in residential treatment together with drug, alcohol, gambling, and overeating addicts—yes, it does get that severe), I am so glad that parents are starting to rise up to fight this epidemic.
Thanks to all who are supporting our efforts! And thank you, Dan.
Any parent should feel free to join us at our events, or reach out to chat.
Erika and Team,
Thank you so much for what you are all trying to do. “Bell” to “Bell” is not a cell phone ban, rather a community investment in our children.
Westport has always invested in education. We have invested in our Superintendent of Schools Tom Scarise and his team to lead the Westport School system.
Tom and his staff continue to provide excellent leadership and results. Let’s trust the data and our leadership on this one.
“Bell to Bell is not sunrise to sunset”…6-7 hour a day “phone break” for a 180 days is not the end the of the world.