Parents, if you're concerned about your young children getting smartphones, you are not alone. We don’t want your kids to be, either.

As mounting research suggests the potential negative effects of the internet and social media on children, including things like brain development and mental health issues, there is some good news. We have the power to create a smartphone-free community for our children, and we can do it right now.

Instead of waiting for the pressure to increase with age, we are inviting like-minded families to commit to holding off on smartphones for their children until after middle school. Join our Hold the Phone, NRE initiative and connect with others who share the goal of letting kids be kids, without the extra distraction.

Hold the Phone, NRE

a Wake County parent pledge to delay smartphones

We’re in this together.

  • "I'm just not ready to relinquish their childhood to a device. They can never get it back."

    Anna, Raleigh mom of 4

  • "Teachers and administration don't have the time to manage smartphones. If parents don't take back control, the schools never will."

    Frank, Apex dad of 4

  • "My kids have a Bark (non-internet phone) and we plan to hold out on smartphones until they are driving."

    Morgan, Raleigh mom of 3