Guiding Norms

These guidelines offer parents, caregivers, and educators practical strategies for introducing technology and social media in a thoughtful, age-appropriate way.

Beyond managing screen time at home, they equip families with actionable steps to advocate for children’s well-being, healthy boundaries, and phone-free environments in our schools and local communities.

See in-depth resources listed below for each for the five norms.

Guiding Norms 1 and 2: Delay Smartphones and Social Media

By delaying the use of smartphones and social media, the negative affects of these powerful technologies can be reduced or eliminated.

APPstinence Social media is optional, and this Gen Z-led movement aims to revert the social atrophy and moral degradation of their generation
Delay Smartphones Aimed to protect children from the dangers of smartphones

Guiding Norm 3: Phone-Free Schools

Technology can provide some advantages, but phones in schools can create distractions detrimental to the healthy growth and development of students of all ages.

Distraction-Free Schools Policy Project A growing coalition of parents, educators, health professionals, and community members united in calling for legislative action to address the overuse of smartphones, social media, and digital products in our nation's schools
Phone-Free Schools Movement Organization advocating for youth the freedom to excel academically and develop socially without the pressures and harms of phones and social media during the school day

Guiding Norm 4: More Independence

Independence breeds innovation and creativity, and is vital to childhood mental, physical and social development.

Let Grow Free resources, tools, and programs to help make it easy, normal, and legal to encourage independence in kids

Guiding Norm 5: Intentional Tech in Schools and at Home

Through thoughtful guidance of its use in schools and at home, the harmful effects of technology addition and overuse can be managed.

Emily Cherkin M.Ed., The Screentime Consultant Empowering families and schools to prioritize relationships, skills, and safety with her Tech-Intentional® approach
Fairplay Screens & Learning Action Kit Free research-based education and advocacy materials that are easy to use and distribute
Everyschool EdTech Triangle The first and only research-based model of healthy classroom tech use

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