Wait Until 8th

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Scope and Terminology

  • Many non‑US readers confused “8th” with age 8; commenters clarify it means 8th grade in the US, typically 13–14, and the site actually suggests “end of 8th” (closer to 14–15).
  • Several argue the slogan should use age (“wait until 14”) or “high school” to be clearer and less US‑centric.

Support for Delaying Smartphones

  • Many parents report success delaying phones to ~14–16 (or even until driving), often with rules like no phone in bedroom at night.
  • Motivations:
    • Avoid social media–driven anxiety, bullying, and constant distraction.
    • Preserve time for reading, offline play, clubs, and unstructured boredom.
    • View smartphones and algorithmic feeds as highly addictive, comparable to junk food, gambling, or cigarettes.
  • Some highlight coordination benefits: the pledge helps solve a “prisoner’s dilemma” so kids don’t feel singled out.

Critiques of the Campaign and Evidence

  • Multiple commenters say the site’s “Why” page only cites correlations between screen time and outcomes, not age‑of‑first‑phone; evidence is called weak or cherry‑picked.
  • Some see it as moral panic / nannyism, comparable to past fears about TV, games, or BitTorrent.
  • Others note that phones themselves aren’t the problem; social media and engagement‑maximizing apps are.
  • Concern that hard cutoffs and total bans can create resentment, isolation, or “sheltered” kids unprepared to self‑regulate.

Alternatives: Dumb Devices and Parental Controls

  • Strong interest in:
    • Dumb phones and kid‑focused watches with GPS, limited calling/texting, and no social media.
    • Locking down regular smartphones using iOS Screen Time, Android Family Link, MDM, or custom ROMs.
  • Experiences are mixed: some find controls “superb,” others describe major loopholes and bugs.

Broader Reflections on Kids, Tech, and Parenting

  • Some argue smartphones are now central to teen social life; denying them can mean exclusion from group chats and spontaneous plans.
  • Others counter that kids can still have rich offline social lives, especially in communities where many parents delay phones.
  • Several emphasize teaching responsible use (privacy, addiction, scams) over blanket prohibition, while others see early exposure as too asymmetric against industrial‑scale persuasion systems.