No More Smartphones For Teens If Colorado Nonprofit Gets Its Way

There is a lot to be said about today’s children who are always on their smartphones. Apparently, one nonprofit based in Colorado has had enough and is attempting to ban pre-teens from being able to buy a phone. The movement is still in its infancy and has to collect tens of thousands of signature to have an effect. If it passes, violators could face fines of up to $20,000.

The proposal comes via the group Parents Against Underage Smartphones (PAUS), which is being led by Tim Farnum who lives in Denver, Forbes reports. Farnum’s biggest gripe with regards to the use of smartphones by small children is how it affects their development, both emotionally and socially. This is where Colorado ballot initiative 29 came in, which actually started back in February.

In general, the bill is meant to force retailers to ask about the age of the customers to make sure that they are not 13 years of age or younger. If they are, the stores will not be allowed to sell them smartphones without the accompaniment of parents. Any retailer that refuses to adhere to these laws could pay fines of up to $20,000 if they become repeat offenders.

Now, it’s worth noting that the proposal does distinguish between a smartphone and a cellular phone, with the latter being allowed if the bill actually passes. Cellular phones are basic handsets that don’t have the same media capabilities as smartphones, unable to play apps or play videos.

Farnum told The Washington Post that the campaign has been gaining traction and support from parents all over the state. As expected, there has also been some pushback, especially from political figures who believe that decisions regarding the use of smartphones should be left up to the parents. Opponents of the proposal believe that this is a family matter, not a legislative one.