We are a group of parents across nine independent San Francisco and Marin schools, united around a shared mission: to reshape digital norms for our families, starting with keeping smartphones and social media out of kids’ hands during their most formative years.  

Parents from:

Burke’s

Cathedral

Convent

Hamlin

MCDS

SF Day

Stuart Hall

SVDP

Town

The Time Is Now

We have seen firsthand how constant online connectivity impacts kids’ attention spans, mental health, and real-world relationships. Together we’re advocating for a childhood rooted in real life, and face-to-face connection — not endless scrolling. 

And we know this only works for our kids if they are not alone.

What began as conversations among friends has evolved into a coalition working toward change, in collaboration with parents, educators, and schools.

Social media is associated with significant harms to youth mental health. We must protect children during critical stages of brain development.

— Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General

Our Mission

We believe that when a community stands together, protecting kids’ well-being not only becomes easier — it becomes the norm.

WHAT

Reshape digital norms 
for our kids, starting with delaying smartphones and social media.

WHy

To protect our kids’ mental health, self-esteem, attention spans and brain development, while delaying a phone-based adolescence.

HOW

By raising awareness in the community through grade-specific parent communities across schools, hosting educational events, and partnering with schools.

WHO

Parents from Burke’s, Cathedral, Convent, Hamlin, MCDS, SF Day, Stuart Hall, SVDP & Town.

The Collective is an independent parent-led organization

We Are Listening

In 2025 we surveyed 5th grade parents across our nine schools to find out where the community stood. The results speak for themselves.

300

Parents

9

Schools

93%

Support Delay

Delay social media through middle school?

The developing teen brain isn’t equipped to handle algorithm-driven comparison, peer pressure, and addictive feedback loops. Let them build confidence and identity offline first.

Delay smartphones through middle school?

Early smartphone access is linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety, lower self-worth, and poorer emotional regulation.

See Full Survey Results

Stay tuned for updated survey results from all grades, coming in Spring 2026

Join the Collective