The Virginia Digital Independence Pledge is a group of 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).  

The goal is progress, never perfection. Everyone is welcome here, wherever you are on the journey.