Thousands of Canadian Parents Take Up Pledge to Delay Kids’ Smartphone Use

‘We empower parents to unite in the creation of a smartphone-free childhood,’ says Unplugged Canada.

A child using a smartphone, in a file photo. Peter Byrne/PA

Over 3,000 Canadian parents have signed a pledge to commit to delaying smartphone access for their children until the age of 14.

The pledge, created by Unplugged Canada, says the action is meant to provide families with a community that supports each other in its commitment to prioritizing children’s mental health. The volunteer-run organization based in Vancouver seeks to “educate parents about the risks of early smartphone use and inspire a collective commitment to restore childhood.”