As smartphones become increasingly integrated into our everyday lives, growing evidence suggests that they are also directly linked to a recent increase in mental health crises among adolescents. Now a group of Evanston parents is bringing attention Wait until the 8tha promise to parents to delay purchasing a smartphone for their children.

Miriam Kendall, an Evanston mother who is leading the local movement, said the issue needs to be discussed more openly in the community.

“This is a public health issue and not something that families should address individually as it has such a social component for children and young people,” she said.