What
Delay
Reshape digital norms for our kids, starting with delaying smartphones and social media.
An independent, parent-led organization
A childhood rooted in real life.
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 nine schools, one collective
- 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.
Our mission
We believe that when a community stands together, protecting kids’ well-being not only becomes easier, it becomes the norm.
Why
Protect
To protect our kids’ mental health, self-esteem, attention spans and brain development, while delaying a phone-based adolescence.
How
Together
By raising awareness in the community through grade-specific parent communities across schools, hosting educational events, and partnering with schools.
Who
Parents
Parents from Burke’s, Cathedral, Convent, Hamlin, MCDS, SF Day, Stuart Hall, SVDP and Town.
We are listening.
In 2026 we surveyed all parents, kindergarten to eighth grade, across our schools to better understand their perspectives and make sure their voices are heard.
- Parents answered
- 1,506
- Schools
- 9
- Support delay
- 93%
82.8%Delay smartphones through 8th grade96.2%Delay social media through 8th grade87.7%Delay social media to age 16
Each dot is one parent who answered. Swipe or pick a question to see the next result.
See results by gradeWhat you are saying.
This is what we heard from parents in 2026.
In an ideal scenario, it would be as commonplace to ask about digital use as it is to ask about food allergies.
This issue in particular is absolutely a collective action problem.
Set standards so none of us feel like we’re making our kids left out.
He has gotten closer with the kids that don’t have phones because they still talk and shoot hoops.
We got our older son a phone in 7th and wish we would have waited longer.
We would love nothing more than play/real social based interactions rather than digital.
Questions parents ask.
Short answers about who we are, what we are working toward and what parents told us.
What is The Collective SF?
The Collective is an independent, parent-led organization. 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.
Which schools are part of The Collective?
Parents from nine independent schools in San Francisco and Marin: Katherine Delmar Burke School, Cathedral School for Boys, Convent of the Sacred Heart, The Hamlin School, Marin Country Day School, San Francisco Day School, Stuart Hall for Boys, St. Vincent de Paul School and Town School for Boys.
What is The Collective working toward?
To reshape digital norms for our kids, starting with delaying smartphones and social media. In our 2026 survey we asked parents whether they are open to delaying smartphones and social media through at least 8th grade graduation, and social media to age 16.
Why delay smartphones and social media?
To protect our kids’ mental health, self-esteem, attention spans and brain development, while delaying a phone-based adolescence. We have seen firsthand how constant online connectivity impacts kids’ attention spans, mental health, and real-world relationships.
What did the 2026 parent survey find?
1,506 parents from kindergarten to eighth grade answered. 82.8% of parents are open to delaying smartphones through at least 8th grade graduation, 96.2% are open to delaying social media through 8th grade, and 87.7% could be open to delaying social media to age 16, including 15.8% who said yes if enough families join in. See the results by grade.
Why does it need to be a collective effort?
Because this only works for our kids if they are not alone. When a community stands together, protecting kids’ well-being not only becomes easier, it becomes the norm. As one 6th grade parent put it: “This issue in particular is absolutely a collective action problem.”
How does The Collective work?
By raising awareness in the community through grade-specific parent communities across schools, hosting educational events, and partnering with schools.
How can I get involved?
Join The Collective to connect with your class chapter and learn about community events, class updates and more. You can also email info@thecollectivesf.org to share stories, ask questions and get involved.
This only works if they are not alone.
Connect with your class chapter and learn more.
Join The Collective