FAQs

While it may seem safer to give your child a smartphone for constant contact, there is no real need for direct communication during the school day — any urgent messages or emergencies can be easily handled through the school office. For before- and after-school safety, alternatives like basic flip phones or two-way calling watches provide a reliable way for parents and children to stay in touch without exposing them to the distractions, social pressures, and risks associated with smartphones. Research, including that of Jonathan Haidt, suggests that delaying smartphone use helps protect children’s mental health and social development, making these alternatives a safer and more balanced choice.

While most students in the Senior Division currently have smartphones, these devices bring many challenges into the school environment, from distractions in class to social pressures outside of it. Even though students are not permitted to use their phones during the school day, research shows that simply having them can still be distracting, as they may be preoccupied with what they are missing on social media, texts or group chats.

Families have navigated middle school for decades without smartphones. School landlines are available if your child needs to reach you and coaches or teachers can assist in emergencies. School-issued emails can also support communication as needed. Choosing to delay a smartphone teaches your child resilience, helps them stay present, and fosters the ability to focus on what truly matters.

Once a child has a smartphone, we understand how challenging it can be to take it away. Unplugged Bialik focuses on supporting younger students who have not yet received a smartphone, helping families make informed choices before these devices become part of their child’s daily life. For parents of older children who already have smartphones, setting boundaries—such as creating a phone contract, limiting use during homework, keeping phones out of the bedroom, and monitoring apps and texts—can help promote healthier habits. As the Unplugged Bialik initiative grows, more students will move through the grades without smartphones, allowing a Senior Division without smartphones to become the new normal.

Bialik has long maintained a “bell-to-bell” no-phone policy, one we are proud to have implemented well before Jonathan Haidt began advocating for phone-free schools. Our Cellphone and Smartwatch Policy states, “Students are not permitted to use cellphones or smartwatches during school hours unless given permission by a teacher or Bialik staff member. Cellphones and smartwatches should be powered off and put away throughout the day. Any cellphone or smartwatch used without permission may be confiscated and returned to the parent at the discretion of the Vice Principal or Branch Principal.

• Jonathan Haidt’s advocates for delaying smartphone access while still preparing kids to navigate the digital world responsibly. Instead of a smartphone, children can learn internet safety and digital literacy in controlled environments:

1. Use a Family Computer or Tablet – Providing supervised access to the internet on a shared device allows you to guide their online behavior, discuss digital ethics, and teach critical thinking about online content.
2. Gradual Independence – Introduce them to email, search engines, and safe social interactions in stages, with parental oversight, so they develop habits before full independence.
3. Teach Digital Citizenship – Discuss topics like privacy, misinformation, cyberbullying, and screen time management before they face these issues alone.
4. Encourage Offline Socialization – Haidt emphasizes the importance of real-world interactions and unstructured play, which build social skills and resilience that translate to digital interactions.
5. Delay Social Media – Research suggests that limiting social media until at least age 14-16 reduces anxiety and depression risks. Introduce it slowly when developmentally appropriate

By focusing on structured exposure and critical discussions, your child can gain the necessary skills without the risks associated with early smartphone ownership. Bialik will continue to teach digital citizenship and safe technology use beginning in Grade 1. 

There are many ways for kids to stay connected without smartphones:

• Texting or FaceTiming on a stripped-down iPad at home: Remove unnecessary apps, games, and browsers, leaving only basic communication tools.
• In-Person Activities: Encourage your child to join sports, clubs, or other after-school activities where they can build friendships face-to-face.
• Family-Led Playdates: Help organize playdates, meetups, or small gatherings where they can strengthen their social bonds.

The key is to emphasize quality, in-person interactions over superficial digital ones.

The main difference lies in how they’re used. Smartphones are portable and carried everywhere, giving kids constant access to the internet and apps. iPads, on the other hand, are typically used at home or during travel, and their use can be more easily monitored. With proper parental controls, iPads can offer limited, safe access to communication tools without the distractions of a smartphone.

A play-based childhood emphasizes imaginative, unstructured, and face-to-face interactions. This type of play is critical for developing social skills, problem-solving abilities, and emotional resilience. Children today spend significantly more time in front of screens than engaging in active, creative play, which can stifle their natural development.

By delaying smartphones, we give our kids the freedom to focus on meaningful play and the opportunity to develop in a healthier, more balanced way.

This is a common concern, but it’s important to reframe the conversation. Teach your child the value of individuality and making choices based on what’s best for their health and well-being, not what’s popular.

As more families join this initiative, children will feel less pressure to conform. Encourage them to take pride in being part of a community that prioritizes meaningful experiences over digital distractions.

You’re not alone—by joining Unplugged Bialik, you’re part of a supportive community of parents who share your concerns and goals. Together, we can create a culture that prioritizes our children’s well-being. Lean on this network for encouragement, ideas, and solidarity as you navigate these challenges.

It’s natural to worry that children without smartphones might feel left out. However, as Unplugged Bialik continues to grow, we are committed to supporting other schools in launching similar initiatives. Our goal is to be trailblazers for change, fostering a movement that encourages healthier childhood development and social interactions. We hope this initiative will expand beyond our school, creating lasting, meaningful change across Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and beyond.

This is a common situation, and while it can be challenging, it also offers an opportunity to have meaningful conversations with your children. Explain that parenting evolves as new research and information become available. Share what you’ve learned about the impact of smartphones on young minds and why you’re making a different choice for your younger child.

Involving your older child in the conversation can foster understanding and empathy. You can also set boundaries for smartphone use in your home that apply to all children, such as keeping devices out of bedrooms and limiting screen time. Encourage family activities that don’t involve screens to help everyone stay connected and focused on shared experiences.

Remember, every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. It's okay to adapt your approach based on what you believe is best for each child.