Sign the Vermont Declaration of Digital Independence
Who We Are & What We Understand:
We are parents/caregivers/youth who believe one of the most important gifts we can give kids is a childhood free of smartphones/social media and rich with face-to-face community, real-world independence, creativity, outdoor exploration, and intergenerational engagement.
We know that social media and smartphones are neither necessary nor developmentally appropriate during childhood—including adolescence.
We understand there is no safe age for children and teens to use social media and smartphones.
We are empowered with various alternative choices for our children to communicate with others (e.g., talk-text phone, landline or limited feature phone).
We are a mix of parents in various places on the journey, but with the same goal:
Some of us refrained from giving our children devices
Some of us gave children devices and social media and are curious about changing course or are in the process of changing course
Some of us want to explore the choice and the path to change course
Join a community committed to protecting childhood by rejecting the foregone conclusion of child/teen smartphone and social media use by prioritizing real-life experiences and connections over screens.
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Joining others with this Vermont Declaration of Digital Independence is an invitation to challenge an unhealthy norm and connect with other families who are making the same choice!
Not in Vermont? That's OK!
You can sign anyways and when there are people from your state who join we will connect you!
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DECLARATION OF DIGITAL INDEPENDENCE
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As a parent / caregiver, I intend to:
--> Give my kid(s) a childhood free from smartphones and social media through high school. I will provide a communication tool if needed, like a talk-text only mobile phone, landline, or limited feature phone that cannot access social media.
For those of us who already gave our child(ren) access to social media and smartphones, we intend to find a community here to support us in trying to reverse that decision.
--> Be present and lead by example: I will be intentional in how I use personal devices, modeling tech as a tool and not a lifestyle.
--> Educate: I'll help my kids understand how to spot misinformation, recognize algorithmic influence, and navigate online and digital products with awareness and caution. I will show them how intentional tech use protects their natural drive to explore, create, and connect with the world around them.
As a family, we intend to:
--> Prioritize real life: We'll make space for the things kids need most for healthy development and flourishing, including play, rest, movement, age-appropriate responsibilities, face-to-face connection, and yes, even some boredom.
--> Use screens with intention: We'll approach digital screen use with intention as a specific tool, striving for usage that is limited, supervised, and shared rather than solitary.
--> Establish device-free spaces: We'll enrich connection by putting devices away during daily car rides and mealtimes and make bedrooms device-free sanctuaries.
The goal is progress, never perfection. Everyone is welcome here, wherever you are on the journey.
