How School Principals Can Champion the Wait Until 8th Pledge

School leaders play a vital role in shaping the culture of childhood. With increasing concerns around mental health, screen addiction, cyberbullying, and classroom distraction, supporting the Wait Until 8th pledge offers a meaningful way to help families protect what matters most—kids’ well-being and focus.

Smartphones don’t just impact individual students—they affect the entire school community.

Why schools need Collective Action

Smartphones are disrupting the classroom—and educators are feeling it. From student distraction and cyberbullying to classroom conflict and teacher burnout, smartphones are making it harder for schools to do what they do best: help kids learn and grow.

Researchers and educators have linked the rise in smartphone use to the sharp decline in academic performance seen across the country since the early 2010s. And it’s not just about grades—it’s about attention spans, social skills, and emotional well-being.

Even though the research is clear, the pressure to give in is real. When so many kids have smartphones, it becomes incredibly hard for families to say no. When even a handful of students in a grade have smartphones, the pressure quickly spreads. Group texts, social media drama, and 24/7 access can disrupt both learning and emotional health.

But when families make the decision to wait together, the impact is powerful.
✅ Less peer pressure
✅ Stronger parent unity
✅ A healthier, more connected school culture

That’s why collective action isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Real change happens when families and schools link arms and create a new norm, together.

Ways to Get Involved

School administrators can play a key role in spreading awareness and building support. Here are a few easy ways to help:

📬 Share in newsletters – Include a short note linking to the pledge and explaining why your school supports it. Here are some example letters you are welcome to share with your parent community.

🎤 Host a parent info session – Invite a speaker or parent advocate to talk about the movement. Wait Until 8th founder Brooke Shannon does a limited number of speaking events. [More info here.]

🗓️ Highlight it at school events – Back-to-school nights, PTA meetings, and orientations are perfect moments to introduce the pledge.

📚 Share research & resources – Provide families with evidence-based materials about the impact of smartphones on childhood. Check out Anxious Generation for more information.

Your Voice Matters

When school leaders get behind the pledge, it sends a powerful message:
You’re not just reducing distractions—you’re protecting childhood.

Join the growing number of principals, teachers, and counselors supporting this movement and helping parents feel confident about waiting.