A parent commitment at GRCS
Stronger Together GRCS.
In 2025, GRCS became phone-free from bell to bell. This is a great start — and there is an opportunity to expand this smart phone free childhood beyond school.
The Commitment
The goal of this parent commitment is to take collective action as a GRCS community to help our children thrive by delaying their use of smart phones and social media. The commitment is simple:
“Our family is committed to not having a smart phone or social media account for our kids until they turn 16.”
*Watches and flip phones / basic phones are OK.
Make the commitment →Families who fill out the form and make this commitment will have their first and last name (without email address) shared on our list of GRCS families. It is an encouragement for families to know of others that share this same commitment. If you ever wish to be removed from the list, email GRCSParentCommitment@gmail.com.
What this looks like.
Flexible
Watches, flip phones, and basic phones are OK. The spirit of the commitment is to limit apps, internet browsing, and social media access.
Non-Binding
This isn't a binding commitment, and it's not about getting it perfect. It's a way for families who want to wait to support one another.
Trade Up
This isn't just about taking something away. We want to create opportunities for real-life fun, deep friendship, independence, and faith formation.
Parent Organized
A grassroots effort by GRCS families — not an official school program. If this stops working for your family, that's okay.
Why this matters.
Why Families Wait
Social media and smart phones can affect mental health, attention, sleep, and faith formation. This isn't about "never" — it's about introducing technology gradually and intentionally.
Stronger Together
"I'm the only one" doesn't have to be true. The more families who make this commitment, the easier it becomes for every GRCS kid and parent.
Make It Clear
Joining sets clear expectations for your child and signals support in our community. Once expectations are clear, the pressure tends to fade.
Got questions?
This is a parent-led initiative, and we'd love to talk about the commitment — happy to connect you with a parent from your child's grade.
GRCSParentCommitment@gmail.com →A grassroots parent effort — not an official program of Grand Rapids Christian Schools.