A Bold Stand: How High School Parents Are Delaying Smartphones—and Changing the Game

by: A Mother

In a world where smartphones dominate teenage life, a group of determined parents is proving that saying no is still an option.

This year, at Bnos Menachem’s 9th grade, a groundbreaking initiative took place: a group of mothers united to delay smartphone use for their daughters and create a supportive, phone-free community. In a time when most teens are glued to their screens, these parents prioritized their daughters’ mental health, emotional well-being, and real-life connections.

Remarkably, this wasn’t enforced by the school—it was driven by parents who recognized the power of collective action. Their commitment transformed their daughters’ lives and sparked interest from other communities eager to replicate this success. This movement is reshaping how we approach technology and childhood.

This initiative grew out of MUST—Mothers United to Stall Technology—mothers commit to delaying devices for their children. www.mothersunite4kids.org. MUST helps parents stay strong in their decisions and create a culture where kids don’t feel left out for not having devices too soon.

Now, with their daughters in high school, these mothers have carried the mission forward.

Delaying smartphone use is no easy feat. Teens push back. The pressure is relentless. Parents are labeled overprotective or unrealistic. But these mothers stand firm, knowing the dangers of early smartphone exposure:

Distraction & Addiction: The constant pull of notifications, endless scrolling, and difficulty putting the phone down.

Social Media Pressures: Unrealistic beauty standards and peer comparisons fueled by platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat.

Inappropriate Content & Exposure: Risks like cyberbullying, online predators, and explicit material appearing at younger ages.

These mothers knew that resisting this pressure alone was nearly impossible, but together, they could change the culture.

To make this easier, they created The Club—a supportive community within Bnos Menachem’s 9th grade where girls felt empowered by their choice to delay smartphones. Instead of feeling excluded, they’re part of something bigger. The Club provides social events and fosters an understanding that teens can bond without screens. It’s given these girls the chance to grow with real conversations and fewer digital distractions. It’s also lifted the burden off parents who constantly face the “But everyone else has one!” argument.

This year, The Club successfully operated for 9th grade—a first in a culture where most kids have smartphones long before high school. Now, there’s momentum to extend The Club into 10th grade.

The key to success? More parents joining the movement.

The more families delay smartphones, the easier it is for everyone. The more communities that create phone-free initiatives, the more support parents have. The longer teens stay off social media, the better their mental health, confidence, and relationships.

The success hasn’t gone unnoticed. Other schools are reaching out to learn how they can replicate this in their own communities. Parents are realizing that delaying smartphones is no longer an unrealistic dream—it’s achievable and benefits entire communities.

This isn’t about being anti-technology. It’s about giving kids time to mature before handing them a powerful tool that requires responsibility and self-regulation. It’s about protecting childhood, mental health, and real-life social skills.

If more communities unite to delay smartphones, it will become the new normal. Saying no today means fewer battles tomorrow.

For all parents—especially if MUST has been successful in your class—now is the time to act! Don’t wait for the pressure to build. Gather with fellow class mothers and make the decision today. Create an environment where your children can thrive, free from the constant pull of screens. By working together, you’ll build a supportive, phone-free community that fosters real connections and a healthier, more balanced life.

Give your child the best start for their future. Take control now, and together, we can set a new standard for how teens grow, learn, and connect.

It’s time to rethink when, how, and why we introduce smartphones to our kids. Because sometimes, the greatest gift we can give them is not giving them something—at least, not yet.

Much Chassidishe nachas, and may we merit the immediate arrival of Moshiach, raising our children with true joy and holiness.