The Four Norms Framework
Restore childhood in the real world
The Four Norms Framework provides a set of guidelines for promoting healthy childhood development and mitigating the potential negative effects of smartphones and social media. The four norms are: no smartphone before high school, no social media until 16, phone-free schools, and more independence and free play.
- Delay exposure to smartphones and social media until later in childhood or adolescence.
- Implement phone-free schools or zones.
- Encourage independence and free play.
- Monitor and limit social media use.
- Implement the first norm: no smartphone before high schoolDelay giving your child a smartphone until they start high school. This can help mitigate potential negative effects on mental health and promote healthy social skills.Pro tipConsider alternative ways to stay connected with friends and family, such as board games or outdoor activities.WarningBe aware of potential social isolation or feelings of loneliness if not balanced with in-person interactions.
- Implement the second norm: no social media until 16Delay giving your child access to social media until they are 16 years old. This can help reduce the potential negative effects on mental health and promote healthy social skills.Pro tipConsider setting limits on social media use or implementing website blockers.WarningBe aware of potential pushback from children or adolescents who are accustomed to having unlimited access to social media.
- Implement the third norm: phone-free schoolsImplement a phone-free policy in schools, requiring students to lock up their phones during the school day. This can help reduce distractions and promote a healthier learning environment.Pro tipConsider implementing phone-free zones or times in the home as well.WarningBe prepared for potential pushback from students or parents who are accustomed to having their phones readily available.
- Implement the fourth norm: more independence and free playEncourage independence and free play in children, allowing them to develop healthy social skills and a sense of responsibility.Pro tipConsider setting aside dedicated time for free play or outdoor activities.WarningBe aware of potential safety concerns and take steps to mitigate risks.
A family decides to implement the four norms, delaying smartphone use until high school, limiting social media use until 16, implementing phone-free schools, and encouraging independence and free play. This leads to improved mental health and social skills in their children.
The Four Norms Framework was developed by Dr. Jonathan Haidt as a response to the growing concern about the impact of smartphones and social media on childhood development.