This pledge will not eliminate social media usage for teenagers…especially those already heavily immersed in it.
Those participating in the pledge are not anti-device; rather, they are pro responsible device usage.
Many of those participating also adhere to personal or family regulated device usage, such as limited daily screen time, no devices in bedrooms (or devices removed from bedrooms at a certain time), devices turned off an hour prior to bedtime, devices turned off during school hours and during sports practices/events, devices turned off during meals and homework (unless device is necessary to aid in homework, but limited to school use only), etc.
If you are interested in implementing a device contract in your family, check out our example on the Resources Page!
GOALS:
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Create an up and coming generation of kids who do not rely on social media to interact, communicate and socialize.
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Reduce usage and addiction to social media, making it secondary in nature (or as a way to be informed, not a way to interact).
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Avoid permanent consequences, emotional damage and anxiety social media causes in children who do not have the maturity or experience to understand these consequences of online presence.
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Protect children from unverified or falsely represented people.
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Protect children’s privacy and personal information until they are at an appropriate age to determine how their information is to be shared.
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Reduce the pressure and responsibility of social media action on kids whose brains and social skills are still developing.
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Allow kids the opportunity to disconnect, take a break from social interaction, and have a safe space at home to be away from everything happening around them constantly.